Gorton and Denton By-Election: A Crucial Test of Political Loyalty
The towns of Gorton and Denton in Greater Manchester are hosting the United Kingdom's first significant by-election of 2026, and the political landscape appears more unsettled than ever. While Labour traditionally dominates in these areas, the current mood suggests a notable fragmentation of support, making this contest far more revealing than its modest size might imply.
A Shift from Traditional Voting Patterns
Historically, this by-election would have been a straightforward victory for Labour. However, conversations with local residents indicate a more complex and nuanced political environment. The exclusion of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as Labour's candidate sparked speculation about internal party dynamics, with some suggesting leadership concerns may have influenced the decision. Meanwhile, Reform UK's candidate received a controversial endorsement from Tommy Robinson, which the party has attempted to distance itself from publicly.
Voter Perspectives Reveal Deepening Divides
At the bustling indoor market in Gorton, former Labour voter Theresa Jewell explains her shift to Reform UK with blunt clarity. "I don't like Labour, and it's Keir Starmer I don't like," she states. "He was the reason I wouldn't vote for Labour." Her decision reflects a personal judgment about leadership rather than strict ideology.
Nearby, Chenise expresses feeling politically displaced as a woman of color. "I feel like I'm under threat by Reform," she shares. "It's like they want to go backwards." Instead of supporting Labour, which she believes has adopted language similar to Reform's, she is considering the Green Party as an alternative.
Atif, who operates a sweet shop and bakery in Longsight, notes that while most Asian voters in his community remain loyal to Labour, he is personally "sick, tired of the Labour policies" and is thinking about voting Green. His concerns center on practical issues like pressure on local healthcare services rather than cultural matters.
Another former Labour supporter, Jason, declares he is "absolutely voting Reform" due to concerns about the cost of living and immigration. For him, Reform represents necessary disruption and clarity in what he perceives as a crowded and confusing political landscape.
Geographic and Demographic Influences
The constituency's geography reinforces these political divides. The Manchester portion of the seat is younger and more diverse, with significant Muslim communities and a history of strong Labour support. In contrast, Denton is older, predominantly white, and features higher rates of homeownership—characteristics more aligned with areas where Reform UK has shown strength in polling.
This division is symbolized by local infrastructure. Denton station operates just two trains weekly—one in each direction on Saturday mornings. Although long-term plans exist to integrate the line into Greater Manchester's expanding tram network, the current situation highlights a sense of disconnect for a town merely six miles from Manchester's city center.
A Coalition Under Significant Strain
What makes this by-election particularly striking is not simply that Labour is losing voters—governing parties often experience mid-term setbacks—but that these losses are fragmenting in multiple directions. Reform UK attracts those seeking sharper rhetoric and disruption, while the Green Party appeals to voters who feel Labour has diluted its core values. Others express political fatigue rather than outright anger.
This represents not a single ideological realignment but rather a coalition under considerable strain. Labour's vote in Gorton and Denton appears thinner, more conditional, and increasingly open to persuasion or protest. Political loyalty, once automatic in these working-class towns, has become something that must be actively negotiated.
Candidates and Electoral Implications
The full list of candidates standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election includes:
- Angeliki Stogia, Labour Party
- Charlotte Cadden, The Conservative Party
- Matt Goodwin, Reform UK
- Jackie Pearcey, Liberal Democrats
- Hannah Spencer, Green Party
- Sebastian Moore, Social Democratic Party
- Joseph O'Meachair, The Rejoin EU Party
- Dan Clarke, Libertarian Party
- Hugo Wils, Communist League
- Sir Oink A-lot, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
- Nick Buckley, Advance UK
The by-election will take place on Thursday, 26 February 2026. While the outcome will not alter parliamentary arithmetic significantly, it may reveal important insights into the changing arithmetic of political allegiance across the United Kingdom.
