Reform UK chief whip Lee Anderson has become the subject of political mockery after enthusiastically posting campaign photographs from a location that falls outside the constituency he intended to support.
Campaign Photos Place Anderson in Wrong Area
The political misstep occurred when Mr Anderson shared images of himself alongside activists outside the Stanley House Function Rooms, declaring it a "cold but productive day" in the "hotly contested seat" of Gorton and Denton. However, official boundary maps clearly show the venue is situated approximately half a kilometre outside the Gorton and Denton constituency limits.
A search on the Parliamentary website confirms the building actually lies within the Aston-under-Lyme constituency, represented by Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner.
Rayner's Scathing Response to Geographical Error
Angela Rayner did not miss the opportunity to criticise the geographical blunder, telling The Mirror: "Farage's Reform can't even find the Gorton and Denton constituency on a map. Perhaps it's because they're too busy filling their party full of former Tories who failed the country."
The Labour deputy leader emphasised that local residents deserve representation focused on pressing issues like the cost of living, adding sarcastically that Reform should "get round to finally learning how to use Google maps" to locate the communities they seek to represent.
Context of the Forthcoming By-Election
The by-election in Gorton and Denton, scheduled for February 26th, was triggered following the resignation of suspended Labour MP Andrew Gwynne. Mr Gwynne cited significant health problems exacerbated by last year's controversy over offensive WhatsApp messages, sharing a note from his GP stating he would be unable to safely return to work as an MP.
His departure from Parliament had sparked speculation about a potential Westminster return for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, but Labour's National Executive Committee rejected his bid to become the candidate.
Labour Leadership Calls for Unity
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has appealed for party unity ahead of the crucial vote, urging Labour MPs to "line up together" against the challenge from Nigel Farage's Reform UK. He argued against triggering an unnecessary mayoral election in Greater Manchester, warning it would divert vital resources from essential spring elections.
Mr Burnham, attempting to downplay any internal rift, stated he was "very much focused on my job" as mayor while encouraging Labour MPs to campaign in Manchester ahead of the by-election.
Reform's Growing Ranks of Defectors
Ms Rayner's comments came shortly after former Home Secretary Suella Braverman was unveiled as Nigel Farage's latest high-profile defector. She joins other former Conservatives including Robert Jenrick, Andrew Rosindell, Danny Kruger, and Lee Anderson himself on the Reform benches.
The Mirror contacted Reform UK for comment regarding the constituency location error, but no response had been received at the time of publication.
This geographical misstep provides ammunition for critics questioning Reform UK's local knowledge and organisational competence as they seek to establish themselves as a serious political force ahead of the February by-election.
