Labour Launches Attack Ads Targeting Green Party's Drugs Stance
Labour has initiated a strategic offensive against the Green party in the crucial Gorton and Denton byelection, deploying targeted online advertisements that criticise the Greens' position on drug legalisation. The campaign represents a deliberate effort to position Labour as the primary left-wing alternative to Reform UK in this highly contested Manchester seat.
Weaponising Public Health Concerns
The Labour advertisements specifically target Zack Polanski, the Green party's deputy leader, highlighting what Labour describes as an "extreme and dangerous" policy to "legalise all drugs." A Labour spokesperson emphasised this characterisation, stating the approach would have serious consequences for community safety.
Green representatives have responded with strong condemnation, arguing that Labour is irresponsibly exploiting a significant public health matter. A Green party spokesperson stated: "Attempting to weaponise the very serious public health issue of drugs is an insult to the families of the thousands of people who die of drug-related deaths every year."
Three-Way Battle for Manchester Seat
The byelection, scheduled for late February, has developed into a complex three-way contest between Labour, Reform UK, and the Greens. This follows Andrew Gwynne's departure from the seat for health reasons after becoming an independent MP last year amidst controversy over offensive messages in a WhatsApp group.
Despite Labour holding a substantial 13,000 majority from the previous election, the party faces significant challenges. Keir Starmer's administration blocked popular Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing as Labour's candidate, creating local discontent that both the Greens and Reform UK hope to capitalise upon.
Labour's Strategic Positioning
Lucy Powell, Labour's deputy leader, launched the party's advertising campaign in Gorton with a clear message about electoral mathematics. "I think there's been some mixed messages and there's been some things coming through in the media, but the Greens can't win here," she asserted. "So voting Green is really risky because it risks letting Reform in."
Powell referenced Labour's narrow six-vote defeat in the Runcorn byelection as a cautionary tale, suggesting that divided left-wing votes could enable Reform UK to secure victory. She emphasised Labour's local strength, noting: "There are no Green councillors across this constituency at all; we are very strong on the ground here. This is a Labour area, and this is about whether Reform come into a Labour area or whether Labour stops Reform coming into a Labour area."
Reform UK's Controversial Candidate
Adding complexity to the contest, Reform UK has selected Matthew Goodwin, a hard-right activist with controversial views, as their candidate. Goodwin has previously refused to disown statements suggesting that UK-born people from minority ethnic backgrounds are not necessarily British.
A Labour party spokesperson warned: "Goodwin has a long track record of pitting communities against one another and has endorsed Tommy Robinson's comments in the past. Electing him would be taking Reform's divisive politics to a whole new level."
Green Party Counter-Argument
The Green party presents a fundamentally different analysis of the electoral landscape. A spokesperson contended: "It's a two way race now between the Greens and Reform. Only the Greens can beat Reform – Labour MPs are saying that themselves every day. All of our evidence from the doorsteps is that the Labour vote is collapsing."
Greens position themselves as offering positive alternatives, stating: "The Greens have real solutions to the cost of living crisis and a bold vision for this country. Labour and Reform are just more of the same; no change and stirring up divisions. We will fight this byelection on a positive agenda, reducing inequality, reducing bills, and celebrating the diversity and unity of this community."
Internal Labour Tensions
Within Labour ranks, dissatisfaction simmers regarding the decision to prevent Andy Burnham from contesting the seat. Andrea Egan, general secretary of major Labour backer Unison, described the move as a "cynical stitch-up" in Tribune magazine.
Egan questioned: "What could possibly justify blocking Andy Burnham, the single politician in Britain with a positive overall approval rating, from standing to be Labour's candidate in the Gorton and Denton byelection?" This internal criticism highlights the complex dynamics affecting Labour's campaign strategy.
Prime Minister's Intervention
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has personally entered the fray, accusing Reform candidate Matthew Goodwin of pursuing "toxic division" politics. Starmer suggested Goodwin would attempt to "tear people apart" in Gorton and Denton, urging voters wanting to stop Nigel Farage's party to unite behind Labour's candidate.
As Labour prepares to select its candidate this weekend, all parties recognise the high stakes involved. The outcome will test whether Labour can maintain its traditional stronghold against insurgent challenges from both left and right, with drug policy becoming an unexpected flashpoint in this fiercely contested byelection.
