Labour Candidate Accuses Reform UK of Fostering Division in Key By-Election Battle
Reform UK has faced sharp criticism for allegedly promoting division and demonstrating a poor understanding of local issues in the lead-up to a critical by-election in Gorton and Denton. Labour's candidate, Angeliki Stogia, has launched a forceful attack on Nigel Farage's party, claiming it has no substantive plan for the constituency and warning that only she can prevent them from gaining ground.
Doorstep Insights Reveal Voter Priorities
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror conducted in Longsight, Manchester, Ms Stogia criticised her Reform counterpart, Matthew Goodwin, for what she described as a failure to engage meaningfully with the community. "I think he needs to knock some doors, and then he's going to get a real flavour about what people think in this constituency," she stated. "I don't think he understands people here. It only takes a walk down Market Street to see what communities live in the constituency."
Ms Stogia, whose selection followed internal party disputes that blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing, emphasised her local connections and personal commitment to the area. "What is his plan for Denton? What is his plan for the rest of the constituency? I am local, and this is personal to me, this is a threat of division and shouting from the sidelines, and this is affecting the community," she asserted. "If Reform gets in, then they're not going to deliver. They're not going to serve the people."
Cost of Living Dominates Doorstep Conversations
Despite ongoing controversies within the Labour Party, including the Peter Mandelson scandal, Ms Stogia reported that such issues are not prominent in her conversations with voters. Instead, she highlighted pressing everyday concerns. "People are speaking about the cost of living, we spoke to a mum who was talking about dentist appointments, and a pensioner that was talking about heating and the bills," she explained. "These are the things that people are talking about, but I understand the importance of this issue, Keir is dealing with it, and my thoughts are with the victims."
Burnham's Support and Unity Within Labour
Ms Stogia also praised Andy Burnham for his unwavering support despite the earlier selection controversy. "Andy Burnham was here less than 24 hours after my selection, he was supportive. I've worked together with Andy. I have a really good working relationship with him, we went out, he was there to give me his full support, we went out door knocking together, and he's calling activists to come and support me," she said. "It means a lot. It means that we all need to understand we need to move on and deliver for the people that both Andy and I serve, and the best way is someone with a track record that can hit the ground running."
Warning to Green Party Voters
In a direct appeal to those considering voting for the Green Party, Ms Stogia challenged their assertion that Labour could finish third in the constituency. "The Greens are letting me down, when you talk about progressive politics, then let Reform in the back door by putting out dodgy leaflets and dodgy charts. It's not the right look," she cautioned, urging voters to consider the broader implications of their choices in the February 26 by-election, which was triggered by suspended Labour MP Andrew Gwynne's decision to step down.
