Labour's grip on power is tenuous, and while Sir Keir Starmer has consolidated his position after Scotland's Labour leader called for his resignation, the weeks ahead could be perilous. The Gorton and Denton by-election, taking place at the end of the month, could be just as challenging for the Prime Minister. Labour won over half the vote in this area just 18 months ago, but since then, MP Andrew Gwynne has resigned after offensive text messages were published. The region's mayor, Andy Burnham, saw this contest as an opportunity to return to Westminster and potentially even the Labour leadership, but was blocked by Starmer and Labour's ruling committee. Instead, local councillor Angeliki Stogia has been selected as the Labour candidate. She moved to Manchester from Greece 30 years ago and wants to win to stop what she calls the 'division' offered by Reform UK. The relentless pace and scrutiny of a by-election, with hustings, media appearances, and hours of door-knocking, is unlike any other political campaign. Reform UK has taken over an industrial unit in the corner of a business park as its campaign headquarters. Their candidate, Matt Goodwin, a former professor who studied right-wing politicians, argues that Labour has taken voters for granted and has strong opinions on immigration and integration. The seat, described by political scientist Rob Ford as 'a tale of two Manchesters', is home to university students, graduates, and a 40% Muslim population on one side, and 83% white residents in low-paying jobs on the other. The Greens are optimistic about their chances, with their candidate, Hannah Spencer, a qualified plumber, and the Conservatives, led by former police officer Charlotte Cadden, also in the running. The fact that the result seems so unpredictable is evidence of the precariousness of the Prime Minister's position.
