In a final rallying cry ahead of the critical by-election in Gorton and Denton, Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell has issued a stark warning to voters. She urged them to back Labour on Thursday to stop Reform UK and avoid "looking back in anger" at the outcome.
Powell's Attack on Nigel Farage as a 'Phony'
Speaking from a red Labour battle bus, Powell launched a scathing attack on Nigel Farage, branding him a "fake, a phony, and a charlatan". She accused him of pretending to be a hero for the working class while opposing policies that support working-class communities.
The battle bus was emblazoned with the message: "Remember the 350 mil for the NHS? You can’t trust Farage", referencing broken promises from the Brexit campaign. Powell emphasised that only Labour can defeat Reform in this contest, warning against a split vote that might allow Reform candidate Matt Goodwin to win.
Oasis Reference and Electoral Stakes
In a nod to the Oasis classic song, Powell told reporters: "We’ve just been playing on this bus 'don’t look back in anger'. Let’s not wake up on Friday looking back in anger because Matt Goodwin’s come through the middle." She stressed the high stakes of the by-election, framing it as a choice between Labour's hope and Reform's divisive politics.
Ed Miliband Condemns Goodwin's Comments on Britishness
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, also present on the bus, labelled Matt Goodwin a "disgrace" for his remarks about British identity. Miliband referenced his own father, who served in the Royal Navy and fought against fascism, saying Goodwin's assertion that people not born in Britain cannot be British is an insult to hardworking communities.
Miliband declared: "We are the people offering hope in this election, and Reform are offering hate." He praised Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia's message of inclusivity, contrasting it with what he called Reform's exclusionary stance.
Stogia's Warning Against Green Party Votes
Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia added her voice to the rally, cautioning voters against supporting the Green Party. She accused the Greens of promoting unrealistic policies they cannot deliver, warning that every vote for them could inadvertently help Reform gain ground.
Stogia stated: "They are promising pie in the sky politics, knowing they will never deliver it. Every vote for the Greens is a vote to let Reform through the back door." This highlights Labour's strategy to consolidate support and prevent vote-splitting in a tight race.
Context of the By-Election
The by-election in Gorton and Denton has drawn significant attention, with Reform UK's Matt Goodwin facing Labour's Angeliki Stogia and Green Party candidates. Goodwin has received backing from far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson, adding controversy to the campaign.
Labour's efforts, including the battle bus tour and high-profile endorsements, aim to mobilise voters in a bid to secure a victory and counter Reform's growing influence. The outcome on Thursday will be closely watched as a barometer of political shifts in the region.
