Voters in the Gorton and Denton constituency will head to the polls on Thursday for a pivotal by-election that could significantly impact the future of British politics. This election, set against a backdrop of disillusionment with the Labour Party, presents a unique opportunity for both Reform UK and the Green Party to challenge Labour’s long-standing dominance in the region.
Gorton and Denton represents a blend of two contrasting communities. The Gorton side features a diverse population, including substantial student and Muslim communities, while Denton, part of the borough of Tameside, is a predominantly working-class town, with nearly 91 percent of its residents identifying as white. Historically reliant on industries such as textiles and coal mining, both areas face the stark realities of deindustrialisation and socio-economic challenges, making this constituency the 15th most deprived in the country.
Long viewed as a bastion of Labour support, the constituency has seen a shift in sentiment. At the last general election in 2024, former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne secured a substantial majority of 13,000 votes. However, recent polling indicates that Labour may struggle to maintain its hold, particularly with the emergence of candidates from Reform UK and the Green Party who are keen to capitalize on the growing dissatisfaction among local voters.
Residents have voiced their concerns about feeling neglected by Sir Keir Starmer‘s government. Many express disappointment over issues like tax increases and cuts to benefits, which they believe have adversely affected their communities. Taxi driver Muhammed Basharat, 61, stated, “They let down many people… The people are not happy.” Similarly, mobile hairdresser Caterina Pandolfo, 65, articulated a prevalent sentiment, saying Gorton and Denton have been “forgotten.”
Longtime Labour supporters, including local residents John and Sheila Harrison, have indicated they will not support the party in this election, feeling that their needs are not being represented. “Labour isn’t really doing what they said they would do in the manifesto,” John remarked, echoing a broader sense of betrayal among constituents.
The by-election also presents a chance for Reform UK’s candidate, Matthew Goodwin, to gain traction. His party is seen as a potential alternative for voters disenchanted with Labour. Alongside him, Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer is aiming to attract local support, highlighting a shift away from traditional two-party politics. Spencer noted, “I think people are rejecting that old system of two-party politics and looking for an alternative.”
While Labour’s candidate, Angeliki Stogia, attempts to defend the party’s record, she faces significant challenges. Stogia argues that a vote for anyone other than Labour could allow Reform UK to gain a foothold in the constituency. She emphasized the necessity of addressing pressing local issues, such as the rising cost of living, stating, “What they want is real action. They don’t want shouting from the sidelines.”
Despite Labour’s recent increase in national polling support, the party’s approval ratings remain fragile. This by-election may serve as a litmus test for Labour’s standing in the North and could foreshadow a shift in the political landscape. Recent history shows that Reform UK can win close races, as evidenced by their 2023 victory in Runcorn and Helsby by just six votes.
The electorate’s growing frustration is palpable, particularly among those who feel abandoned by the party they once trusted. Many view the by-election as a critical moment for expressing their dissatisfaction and seeking representation that resonates with their experiences.
As the campaign intensifies, both the Green Party and Reform UK appear poised to challenge Labour’s narrative. Spencer’s assertion that “there’s a real appetite for change” reflects a broader sentiment that could redefine the political dynamics within Gorton and Denton.
Looking ahead, the outcome of this by-election may not only determine the fate of Labour in a key constituency but also signal a broader transformation in British politics. The stakes are high, and the result could have lasting implications for the Labour Party and its leadership under Sir Keir Starmer. The political landscape may be on the verge of a significant shift, making this election one to watch closely.
