Labour’s New Candidate Announced for Upcoming By-Election
A by-election in Gorton and Denton, scheduled for February 26, follows the resignation of long-serving MP Andrew Gwynne on January 22. Gwynne, who represented the area since 2005, stepped down citing ill health amid ongoing criticism over WhatsApp messages revealed last February.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham initially sought to return to Parliament, applying as Labour’s candidate on January 24. However, Labour’s National Executive Committee blocked his bid the next day. Burnham expressed disappointment on social media but reaffirmed his commitment to his mayoral duties and promised support for the selected candidate.
Burnham’s Support for Angeliki Stogia
On January 31, Burnham publicly congratulated Angeliki Stogia, Labour’s confirmed candidate, via a post on X. “Big congrats Angeliki!” he wrote. “I know you will do a great job. I will be there for you whenever you need me.”
Stogia’s selection was announced outside the Jain Community Centre in Longsight. Originally from Greece, she relocated to the UK in the 1990s to study at Manchester Metropolitan University and later became a naturalized British citizen. Since 2004, she has resided in Whalley Range and served as a Labour councillor for the ward starting in 2012.
Stogia’s Vision for the Constituency
Addressing supporters, Stogia expressed enthusiasm for the role. “I am absolutely thrilled and excited, and I want to thank everyone who came to the hustings,” she said. “I am a proud Mancunian woman. I have walked the streets of this constituency. This is about Manchester. Manchester is a city united; we are rejecting division. I am so looking forward to going out on the doorstep and winning this for Labour.”
In follow-up remarks, she emphasized community unity. “It’s very, very important to protect the division,” Stogia stated. “We are a city united, and every vote in this election counts, so we’re going to go out and hear from the residents and get them all out. We are all united. You can see the energy today. We are going to win this.”
Competition from Other Parties
The Green Party, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK have also named their candidates for the Gorton and Denton seat, setting the stage for a competitive race next month.
