Wed Feb 04 10:48:39 UTC 2026: Headline: Labour’s Grip on Greater Manchester Weakens as By-Election Looms Amidst Internal Strife and Rising Support for Smaller Parties

The Story: A by-election in the Gorton and Denton constituency of Greater Manchester, scheduled for February 26, is posing a significant challenge to the Labour Party. The seat became vacant following the resignation of long-serving MP Andrew Gwynne in January. What would typically be a routine victory for Labour is now a contested battleground, with eleven candidates vying for the position. Voter dissatisfaction, internal friction stemming from the controversial candidate selection process (where Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham‘s bid was blocked in favor of local councillor Angeliki Stogia), and the rise of smaller parties like the Green Party and Reform UK are contributing to the uncertainty.

Key Points:

  • A by-election is set for February 26 in the Gorton and Denton constituency after Andrew Gwynne‘s resignation.
  • Eleven candidates are contesting the seat, representing a wide range of political views.
  • Internal Labour disputes over candidate selection have fueled tensions.
  • The Green Party is attempting to attract voters on Labour’s left, while Reform UK appeals to anti-establishment sentiments.
  • Voter dissatisfaction with local services is a key issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • Labour’s traditional stronghold in Gorton and Denton is under threat due to a combination of internal problems and external challenges from smaller parties.
  • Local issues, such as the decline in access to healthcare, are driving voter dissatisfaction.
  • The by-election outcome is highly uncertain, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape of Greater Manchester.

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