What's happened
The Gorton and Denton by-election in Manchester is embroiled in controversy after reports of alleged vote-buying and racist content shared by campaign supporters. Labour's Angeliki Stogia and Reform UK's Matt Goodwin are the main contenders, with tensions rising over security and divisive rhetoric ahead of the February 26 vote.
What's behind the headline?
The Gorton by-election reveals a deeply polarized political climate in Manchester. The controversy over racist social media posts linked to Reform UK supporters underscores the rise of far-right rhetoric in local campaigns, which could influence voter behavior and increase tensions. Labour’s candidate, Angeliki Stogia, faces a tough challenge defending a 13,000 majority amid accusations of divisive tactics and security threats, reflecting broader national concerns about political violence and misinformation. The race is likely to serve as a bellwether for Labour’s ability to maintain its traditional stronghold amid rising populist and far-right opposition. The involvement of high-profile figures and the intense media scrutiny suggest this election will have repercussions beyond Manchester, potentially shaping future campaign strategies and party policies.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on the ongoing police investigation into alleged vote-buying and the video evidence suggesting support for vote-buying tactics. The Guardian highlights the controversy over racist content shared by Reform UK supporters and the internal campaign issues faced by Matt Goodwin, including his security concerns and accusations of divisive rhetoric. The Mirror provides a detailed account of the heated exchanges at the hustings, emphasizing the security threats and personal attacks between candidates, especially between Labour’s Angeliki Stogia and Reform’s Matt Goodwin. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the heightened tensions and the complex interplay of local politics, security, and national narratives shaping this pivotal by-election.
How we got here
The by-election was triggered by Labour MP Andrew Gwynne’s resignation. Labour selected Angeliki Stogia amid internal controversy, while Reform UK’s candidate Matt Goodwin faces scrutiny over alleged racist content shared by his campaign team. The Green Party and other candidates are also contesting the seat, which is seen as a key test for Labour and the opposition parties.
Go deeper
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Angeliki Stogia is a Greek-British Labour Party politician. She has been a Manchester city councillor for Whalley Range since 2012.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Nigel Paul Farage is a British politician. He has been leader of the Brexit Party since 2019, and served as Member of the European Parliament for South East England from 1999 until the United Kingdom's exit from the EU in 2020.
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Matthew James Goodwin is a British academic who is currently Director of the Centre for UK Prosperity at the Legatum Institute, Professor of Politics in the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Kent.
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Lucy Maria Powell is a British Labour and Co-operative politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for Manchester Central since winning the seat at a by-election in November 2012.