"A byelection is usually called when something bad has happened. In Gorton and Denton it is because Andrew Gwynne, the former Labour MP for the Greater Manchester constituency, became embroiled in an embarrassing WhatsApp scandal. Gwynne was suspended by Labour and then retired because of ill-health."
"The byelection comes at a terrible time for Keir Starmer, with Reform riding high in the polls and his approval ratings at an all-time low. Then Greater Manchester's mayor, Andy Burnham, said he wanted to stand. Starmer blocked Burnham's candidacy, saying it would cost too much money and energy to hold elections for the mayoralty were Burnham to win the byelection."
"If Labour loses, it could be another nail in Starmer's coffin. But what would hurt him more? A Green victory or a Reform one? Helen Pidd travels to the constituency to meet the candidates as they run their campaigns and speak to people in the area about where their voting allegiance lies."
The Gorton and Denton byelection was triggered by former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne's retirement following a WhatsApp scandal that led to his suspension. The timing is particularly challenging for Keir Starmer, as Reform polls strongly and his approval ratings hit record lows. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham initially wanted to stand but was blocked by Starmer, who cited concerns about the cost and energy required to hold simultaneous mayoral elections. A Labour loss could significantly damage Starmer's position. The race is competitive and emotionally charged, with candidates campaigning actively and constituents expressing diverse voting preferences across the political spectrum.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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