Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has framed the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election as a direct contest between Labour and Reform UK, asserting that his party represents the sole viable opposition to Nigel Farage's political movement. This declaration comes amid heightened political tension following the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, which has triggered speculation about Reform's potential to seize a constituency Labour secured with 51% of the vote during the 2024 general election.
Labour Positioned as Primary Anti-Reform Force
Speaking to journalists ahead of his diplomatic visit to Beijing, Sir Keir emphasised that Labour values focusing on cost-of-living pressures and local delivery provide the clearest alternative to what he characterised as Reform's "toxic division." He directly criticised Reform's candidate, academic and commentator Matthew Goodwin, suggesting his involvement symbolises a politics incompatible with Manchester's community spirit.
"There's only one party that can stop Reform and that's the Labour Party," Starmer stated unequivocally. "This is a straight fight between Labour and Reform. We can already see what the by-election's going to be about, which is Labour values – which are about delivering, focusing on the cost of living, with a strong record in that constituency of what we've already done – versus Reform."
Green Party Claims and Video Controversy
The Labour leader's comments also served to dismiss claims from the Green Party, whose leader Zack Polanski has attempted to position his party as the main progressive option for voters seeking to block Reform UK. Labour campaign officials have reinforced this message, stating that "the only people being misleading here are the Greens, pretending they have any chance of winning."
A separate controversy has emerged surrounding a Labour campaign video featuring Matthew Goodwin. The GB News presenter claimed the footage was "misleading," explaining he was referring specifically to a Conservative Party conference in Manchester rather than the city itself when he described being "unfortunate enough" to have been there. Labour has rejected this characterisation, with a spokesperson asserting that "Matt Goodwin and Reform have long had a disdain for Manchester and the North."
Internal Labour Tensions Surface
Beyond the external political battle, significant internal divisions have surfaced within Labour regarding the party's handling of candidate selection. The National Executive Committee's decision to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from contesting the by-election has provoked considerable discontent, with approximately fifty MPs and peers signing a letter protesting that there was "no legitimate reason" for the exclusion.
Sir Keir has personally denied claims that Mayor Burnham received any directive barring him from standing, confirming he spoke directly with the mayor on both Monday and Tuesday following the NEC's ruling. He praised Burnham's tenure as "excellent" and highlighted their productive working relationship, noting that his first parliamentary role involved working for Burnham in 2015. However, when questioned about Burnham's potential return to Westminster after his mayoral term concludes, Starmer deferred, stating "That's a matter for Andy."
Rayner's Critical Comments and Leadership Speculation
Further internal scrutiny has emerged following reports that Sir Keir's former deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, delivered critical remarks at a private fundraising event. According to sources, Rayner suggested Labour's leadership should "do better" and demonstrate greater humility in acknowledging mistakes. She reportedly expressed continued determination to combat Reform UK, declaring "I'm still fighting. I'm not dead yet" in what some interpret as signalling her political ambitions.
Allies of Ms Rayner have indicated to The Times that approximately eighty MPs would support her in any potential leadership contest, particularly if such a challenge materialises following May's local elections. This development adds another layer of complexity to Labour's internal dynamics as the party prepares for a crucial electoral test in Gorton and Denton.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed has attempted to draw a line under the candidate selection controversy, insisting the NEC decision is "done and dusted" as Labour proceeds with its formal selection process to choose a standard-bearer for the constituency. The by-election outcome will be closely watched as an indicator of Reform UK's growing influence and Labour's capacity to defend its traditional heartlands against insurgent political forces.
