Gorton and Denton By-Election: Three-Way Race Heats Up

With less than a week to go before the Gorton and Denton by-election, the three frontrunners are racing to get their candidates elected in a contest that could shape the future of British politics.

Labour and Greens have bolstered their canvassing efforts with recent appearances from the respective parties’ leadership. PM Keir Starmer spoke alongside Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia at Rushford Park on Monday, while Green leader Zack Polanski, with Deputy Leaders Mothin Ali and Rachel Millward, joined candidate Hannah Spencer to door-knock and leaflet over the weekend.

These appearances follow from the parties' overall election strategies, focusing on in-person canvassing and community outreach.

Reform have been relatively distant. With some suggesting that Reform candidate Matt Goodwin has been seen little in the constituency, the party has relied on a leaflet-led ground campaign and a strong media presence as their weapons of choice.

Zack Polanski and Hannah Spencer addressing Green campaigners. Credit: Beth Hartness / Young Greens MCR

Buoyed by substantial growth since 2024, Greens and Reform are seizing on what was once a comfortable Labour seat. Each received less than 15% of the vote last election; now, eating into Labour’s support from two sides of the political aisle, both have a credible chance of victory.

“This is a sign of the future,” Greens Deputy Leader Ali told The Mancunion. “It’s such a good time to be a Green.”

Deputy Green leader Mothin Ali (centre) speaking with campaign staff in Gorton. Credit: Will Fisher / The Mancunion

Polling data released by pollster Opinium on February 24 placed Greens first with 30% of the vote, compared with Reform and Labour both coming in at 28%.

However, the same data suggests that 11% of the electorate still remain undecided in the late stage of this campaign. 

Greens and Labour have adopted similar messaging strategies. Both paint the election as a two-horse race between themselves and Reform, portraying the other party as a spoiler in the left-of-centre voting camp. 

Reform, meanwhile, have promoted their own policies, and are relying on a divided left to clear their path to victory.

Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin. Credit: Chatham House / Wikimedia Commons

All three parties have been subject to scrutiny over controversial campaigning tactics. Greens have been accused of misrepresenting opinion polling to portray a closer race between themselves and Reform, and of using quotes from UoM Political Science professor Rob Ford on campaign material without permission.

Labour has faced similar charges, with campaign material promoting polling results drawn from a sample size of just 67 respondents, and with misleading videos of Goodwin published out of context.

Reform faced a police investigation into promotional leaflets signed by a “local pensioner” that did not state that they had been funded and distributed by the party, although the party ultimately faced no sanctions. A prominent campaign manager has also been suspended by the party over anti-semitic statements.

A full list of candidates can be found here.