Labour has announced Angeliki Stogia, a Manchester city councillor, as its candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election, following the party's decision to block Andy Burnham from standing. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former MP Andrew Gwynne, who cited health reasons. Stogia, flanked by Labour leaders including Anna Turley and Lucy Powell, was unveiled at an event in Greater Manchester on Saturday. She expressed enthusiasm for campaigning, stating, 'I am so looking forward to going out on the doorstep and winning.'
The selection comes after Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) denied Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, permission to stand. Allies of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer reportedly feared Burnham might use the by-election as a stepping stone to challenge Starmer's leadership. Burnham, in his first interview since the decision, insisted his candidacy was focused on 'fighting Reform UK' and not undermining Starmer. Reform UK has nominated Matt Goodwin, a GB News presenter, as its candidate, while the Green Party has selected Hannah Spencer, a plumber and plasterer. The Greens' candidate has faced scrutiny over past statements, including calls to decriminalize prostitution and comments comparing Israel's actions in Gaza to the Holocaust, which the party dismissed as misinterpreted.
The by-election, scheduled for February 26, is seen as a crucial test for Labour amid declining poll ratings and recent defections to Reform UK. Labour aims to retain the seat while countering Reform's growing influence. Stogia's selection reflects the party's strategy to avoid internal divisions and present a unified front.