Labour has announced Manchester city councillor Angeliki Stogia as its candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election, aiming to retain the historically safe seat for the party.
The Gorton and Denton by-election follows the resignation of former MP Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down citing health reasons after a previous suspension from Labour over offensive comments.
Angeliki Stogia, councillor for Whalley Range since 2012, was selected despite being relatively unknown nationally, marking Labour’s effort to present a unifying figure in the constituency.
The decision comes days after Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, was prevented from standing, sparking criticism from backbenchers who claimed the party blocked him for political reasons.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his allies have been accused of sidelining Burnham to prevent a potential leadership challenge as party and personal poll ratings fluctuate.
Ms Stogia addressed a launch event with party chairwoman Anna Turley and deputy leader Lucy Powell, describing herself as a “proud Mancunian woman” and promising to connect with local residents.
“This campaign is about unity in Manchester and opposing divisive politics,” Stogia told a gathering of party activists, emphasizing the contrast with Reform UK and other opponents.
Reform UK has named Matt Goodwin, former academic and GB News presenter, as its candidate, attracting endorsements from far-right activist Tommy Robinson, raising the stakes in the by-election.
The Green Party will be represented by Hannah Spencer, a councillor and plumber, while the Liberal Democrats have put forward local campaigner Jackie Pearcey, creating a multi-party contest.
Labour insists the race is a “straight fight” between their candidate and Reform UK, but analysts warn that a fragmented vote could make the historically safe seat competitive.
Ms Stogia has previously contested parliamentary seats in Chester South and Eddisbury, placing second behind Conservatives, and highlighted her 12 years of campaigning on housing, transport, and environmental issues.
Originally from Greece, Stogia moved to the UK in the 1990s and has lived in Manchester since 2004, building local credibility through her work on city council initiatives.
The by-election campaign is expected to focus on local issues, with Labour emphasizing community cohesion, Reform UK framing itself as an anti-establishment alternative, and smaller parties seeking to grow their profile.
Following Burnham’s blocked candidacy, some Labour MPs have reportedly expressed reluctance to campaign actively, fearing an embarrassing defeat in a constituency that previously delivered strong support for the party.
Starmer’s team has instructed MPs to participate at least once in campaign events within Gorton and Denton, aiming to demonstrate party unity despite internal tensions.
Historically, Labour has maintained strong support in the area, with Andrew Gwynne securing more than half of the votes in 2024, while Nigel Farage’s Reform UK narrowly beat the Greens for second place.
Stogia emphasized the moment as a “choice between a united community or divisive politics,” presenting herself as a candidate committed to fairness, hope, and inclusivity across Gorton and Denton.
Reform UK’s Goodwin is positioning his campaign around voter dissatisfaction with traditional parties, highlighting national issues while aiming to capitalize on Labour’s internal conflicts.
The Greens and Liberal Democrats hope to increase visibility in the area, focusing on environmental, social, and local community concerns, although they are seen as less likely to win the seat.
Labour activists are being mobilized to ensure turnout, with the party stressing the importance of retaining the seat for morale and as a test of Starmer’s leadership ahead of wider electoral challenges.
Critics of the candidate selection process argue that preventing Burnham from running may have cost Labour both voter enthusiasm and grassroots campaign energy in the constituency.
Nonetheless, Stogia’s supporters highlight her deep ties to the community and long-term record on local issues, positioning her as capable of bridging divisions and appealing to a broad base of voters.
The Gorton and Denton by-election is being closely watched as an early indicator of political trends, including how Labour, Reform UK, and smaller parties might perform in future national elections.
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Observers note that while Labour’s dominance has historically been strong, shifting voter attitudes and high-profile endorsements for opponents make the outcome unpredictable and the campaign highly competitive.
Stogia has vowed to campaign door-to-door, engage with residents, and highlight Labour’s vision for Manchester, aiming to offset any negative impact from the controversy over Burnham’s blocked candidacy.
All parties will focus heavily on local engagement, media presence, and voter outreach, understanding that winning the Gorton and Denton by-election could influence broader perceptions of Labour’s electoral strategy.
Labour’s goal is to demonstrate that despite internal disagreements and leadership challenges, the party can retain support, deliver a unified campaign, and continue its influence in Manchester politics.
The outcome of the Gorton and Denton by-election will offer a significant signal to national political parties, illustrating how voters respond to party dynamics, candidate profiles, and campaign messaging in a historically Labour-dominated area.
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