Starmer said the Gorton and Denton byelection in Manchester would be a vote on “true patriotism”…reports Asian Lite News
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has framed the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection as a defining contest over national values, casting it as a direct fight between Labour and Reform UK, The Guardian reported, as campaigning gathered pace following Labour’s selection of its candidate.
According to The Guardian, Starmer, speaking during a visit to Japan, said the vote would serve as a test of what he described as “true patriotism”, arguing that only Labour could defeat Reform UK and counter what he characterised as divisive politics. He indicated that the contest had effectively become a two-way race, dismissing the prospects of other parties in the seat.
The prime minister’s intervention came as Labour confirmed Angeliki Stogia, a Manchester city councillor, as its candidate for the byelection. Stogia was selected after a hustings and ballot of local members held at a community centre in Levenshulme. She defeated Eamonn O’Brien, a senior local figure who had been widely seen as a strong contender.
Labour insiders told The Guardian the selection contest was closely fought, but Stogia’s local profile in south Manchester was viewed as a decisive advantage. She represents Whalley Range, an area neighbouring the constituency, and has been active in local government for several years.
Starmer’s remarks also highlighted Labour’s strategy of positioning itself as the sole viable alternative to Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. Reform has selected Matt Goodwin, a former academic turned right-wing commentator, as its candidate. The Guardian reported that the campaign has already taken on a sharp ideological edge, with Labour warning supporters against what it sees as hard-right influences surrounding Reform’s campaign.
The byelection was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down citing ill health. Gwynne remains under investigation by parliamentary standards authorities over his involvement in a WhatsApp group that shared inflammatory messages about constituents and colleagues, an episode that led to his suspension from the party.
Labour faces competition for progressive votes, particularly from the Green Party, which has selected Hannah Spencer, a councillor in neighbouring Trafford. The Greens’ co-leader Zack Polanski has been campaigning in parts of the constituency, seeking to capitalise on disaffection with the main parties.
However, senior Labour figures have played down the Greens’ chances locally. According to The Guardian, Labour argues that its organisational strength in Manchester and surrounding areas, combined with long-standing control of local councils and the influence of Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, gives it a solid base of support.
Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell has told activists that the party is confident but not complacent, pointing to recent campaigning activity and voter engagement across the constituency. At the same time, Labour’s chief whip Jonathan Reynolds has warned against underestimating Reform’s appeal, stressing that the party is treating the contest as a serious test ahead of future elections.
The Guardian reported that the byelection is being closely watched within Westminster as an early indicator of how Labour, now in government, performs against insurgent right-wing challengers in traditionally safe seats, and whether Reform can convert national polling momentum into parliamentary gains.
