Starmer Pledges to Fight On Despite Labour's By-Election Humiliation
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to "keep on fighting" despite Labour's humiliating defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, where the party finished a distant third behind the Greens and Reform UK. The Prime Minister faces mounting pressure to shift his party to the left or resign after this stunning reversal in a previously rock-solid Greater Manchester constituency.
A Disappointing and Frustrating Result
Speaking to reporters, Sir Keir acknowledged it was a "disappointing" result and that voters were "frustrated," but he insisted he would carry on leading the Labour Party. When asked if he had considered resigning in the wake of the defeat, Sir Keir responded with defiance, stating: "I came into politics late in life to fight for change for those people who need it. I will keep on fighting for those people for as long as I've got breath in my body."
He also pledged to "fight against extremes in politics" on both the left and the right that threatened to "tear our country apart," signaling his commitment to a centrist path despite the electoral setback.
Green Party Secures Historic Victory
Thursday's by-election saw Hannah Spencer, a councillor and plumber, emerge victorious for the Green Party with 14,980 votes, securing a majority of 4,402. This marked the Green Party's first by-election victory, a significant milestone that has sent shockwaves through the political establishment. The result consigned Sir Keir Starmer's Labour to third place in a constituency once considered a Labour stronghold, highlighting the party's declining fortunes under his leadership.
Mounting Pressure and Internal Criticism
Labour MPs, unions, and campaign groups have demanded a change of course from Sir Keir ahead of crucial elections in May, with warnings that his days in Number 10 could be numbered unless the party's fortunes improve dramatically. The by-election defeat has intensified calls for a strategic shift, with many within the party urging a move to the left to reconnect with disillusioned voters.
Former Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said the result should be a "wake-up call" for the party, calling for her colleagues to "be braver" and "rededicate" themselves to "a Labour agenda that puts people first." Her comments underscore the growing internal dissent and the urgent need for Labour to reassess its direction and messaging in the face of electoral challenges.
The by-election outcome not only represents a personal humiliation for Sir Keir Starmer but also raises serious questions about Labour's ability to compete effectively in future contests. As the Prime Minister vows to continue his fight, the party must navigate a path forward amid rising voter frustration and increasing competition from smaller parties like the Greens and Reform UK.
