Labour Faces 'Bruising' By-Election Defeat as Harman Urges Caution Against Leadership Challenge
In the wake of a devastating by-election loss in Gorton and Denton, former Labour deputy leader Baroness Harriet Harman has issued a stark warning to the party's MPs, cautioning them against seeking to replace Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Describing the result as "very painful and bruising," Harman emphasized that instability from a leadership challenge would not address the core issues facing the public.
Historic Loss in a Safe Seat
The by-election, held in the early hours of Friday, 27 February 2026, saw the Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer secure victory with 14,980 votes, achieving a majority of 4,402. This outcome pushed Labour into third place in a constituency they had not lost since 1931, marking it as the party's seventh-worst by-election defeat in history. Gorton and Denton was previously considered Labour's 38th safest seat from the 2024 general election, making the loss particularly significant.
Harman's Call for Resolve and Stability
Speaking on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Harman urged Labour backbenchers to hold their resolve and avoid destabilizing the party further. She acknowledged the increased anxiety leading up to upcoming council elections in England, as well as elections in Scotland and Wales, but stressed that the fundamentals remain unchanged. "Piling instability into this situation by having a leadership challenge is not going to solve the problems that people want solved," she stated, highlighting the need for improvements in public services and government stability.
Harman also sought to downplay the severity of the loss by contrasting it with a potential victory by Reform UK, which she described as "really scary" due to concerns over divisive and xenophobic policies. "It was very bruising and disappointing that Labour, having hoped to win, didn't win. But I would've felt much worse if Reform had won," she explained, adding that while it was not a good day, "it could be worse."
Internal Criticism and Defense of Leadership
Despite Harman's calls for unity, internal dissent has surfaced within Labour ranks. One anonymous Labour MP told Sky News that Sir Keir should resign following the loss, while several backbenchers have publicly demanded "change at the top." Long-time critic Brian Leishman, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, blamed Starmer and his advisors, writing on social media that the attempt to "out-Reform Reform" was wrong and rejected by voters. Similarly, Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, attributed the loss to the political approach of the prime minister and his team, calling for a radical shift in strategy.
In contrast, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander defended the government, describing the result as "deeply disappointing" but cautioning against over-interpretation. Sir Keir Starmer is expected to address journalists later on Friday to give his first on-camera reaction to the by-election outcome, as the party grapples with this significant setback.
Looking Ahead: Challenges for Labour
This by-election loss underscores the mounting challenges for Labour as they navigate a complex political landscape. With Harman emphasizing the importance of focusing on manifesto delivery and avoiding further instability, the party faces a critical juncture. The upcoming elections will test the mettle of the Parliamentary Labour Party, with calls for leadership change balanced against the need for cohesive action to regain public trust and address pressing societal issues.
