Prime Minister Hesitant on By-Election Involvement
Sir Keir Starmer has declined to confirm his participation in the upcoming by-election campaign in the Gorton and Denton constituency in Manchester. During a recent overseas trip, the Prime Minister avoided direct answers three times when questioned about joining local efforts to secure the seat for Labour.
The by-election, scheduled for February 26, pits Labour against Reform UK, with the party aiming to retain voter loyalty amid challenges from both the Greens and Reform. Officials emphasize that the contest centers on core principles, framing it as a choice between genuine community renewal and divisive tactics.
Background on the Contest
The vacancy arose after Andrew Gwynne stepped down, following revelations about controversial messages. Labour selected Manchester councillor Angeliki Stogia as its candidate. At her launch event, Stogia described herself as a “proud Mancunian woman” who has “walked the streets of this constituency.” She stressed unity, stating, “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.”
Stogia’s selection came after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a potential leadership contender, was barred from running. The decision has fueled internal discussions within the party.
Concerns Over Starmer’s Popularity
Starmer’s reluctance echoes his absence from last year’s Runcorn by-election, which Labour lost to Reform by a narrow margin of six votes. At the time, then-party chair Ellie Reeves explained that Prime Ministers typically do not engage in by-election campaigns.
Recent polling from YouGov shows Starmer’s net favorability at minus 57, the lowest among recent Prime Ministers excluding Liz Truss’s brief tenure. This decline coincides with policy U-turns and delays in fulfilling election pledges, heightening scrutiny on his leadership.
One Labour MP expressed skepticism about Starmer’s involvement, noting, “You won’t see him in Gorton. He’s toxic, and a Londoner to boot. He gets altitude sickness up there.” Such sentiments highlight tensions as the party prepares for the May local elections alongside this key test.
Strategic Focus Against Reform
Starmer highlighted Reform’s candidate receiving an endorsement from far-right activist Tommy Robinson, describing it as indicative of “the politics of poisonous division.” He positioned Labour as the force for “inclusive communities and bringing people together, and for true patriotism against the plastic patriotism of Reform.”
The Prime Minister affirmed ongoing national campaigning but deferred specifics on the by-election plan until after candidate selection. Sources indicate Labour views this as a direct showdown with Reform, essential for demonstrating the party’s ability to counter emerging threats.
