Independent readers responded strongly to the views of residents in Gorton and Denton, a forgotten corner of Manchester where a crucial by-election could signal the state of wider British politics.
With Labour defending a 13,000 majority won in 2024, many commenters noted that the seat is “Labour’s to lose” – and that defeat would represent a sharp fall from grace for a government only 18 months into office.
Much of the frustration was directed at Sir Keir Starmer. Readers repeatedly cited “broken promises” and questioned Labour’s delivery in government. The prime minister’s decision to block Andy Burnham from standing was widely criticised, with some arguing it could prove a serious misstep if Labour lose.
Reform’s prospects divided opinion. Some warned against a right-wing resurgence, while others suggested a failure to win would damage the narrative of a Reform “surge”. The Greens, meanwhile, were viewed by supporters as a credible alternative on the left, but by critics as unrealistic or opportunistic.
Across the comments, the by-election was framed as more than a local contest – a tight, three-way race that could signal whether British politics is fragmenting into a new left-right divide.
Here’s what you had to say:
The Blairite gravedigger of the Labour Party
Clearly not a popular view, however I agree. Starmer, the Blairite gravedigger of the Labour Party, is contemptible, of course, but his stock has sunk so low already that I’m not convinced this by-election alone can do him that much damage, especially with the looming electoral humiliations likely to come in May giving him the short-term protection of making anyone serious about replacing him see the value in holding off and letting him take the blame for those.
It won’t be a surprise if a highly unpopular government loses this seat, and it will hurt them somewhat, but in terms of the overall impact it might have had, that will have been significantly dulled by the Mandelson scandal. If and when Starmer’s leadership comes to an end, it will be the latter which marks the beginning of the end, not a by-election loss (though if only he had resigned after Hartlepool…).
We’ll see whether defeat harms Farage, but if the current polling is right and Reform do lose the seat, it will certainly contradict the narrative of the Reform ‘surge’.
Change takes a long time
If the voters of Gorton and Denton believe a vote for the Greens will turn their constituency into a pleasant, green, leafy suburb with the crime rate, poverty and desperation solved, they’re in for a big surprise.
Like Starmer has, and is still discovering nationally, change takes a long time and people seem to believe it can happen overnight. There won’t be any more money and the level of benefit claimants and unemployment won’t disappear and the ethnic mix won’t change. Like with Farage’s outfit that always promises much and does nothing, except take care of themselves, anyone in this constituency without the knowledge, means and access to those who can bring about change, little is likely to improve. Promises are always cheap near election time. Action post-election is another matter.
Had Andy Burnham, with his knowledge, experience and contacts in and around Manchester, taken over, he would have been in a better position to bring about change because he knows what he’s dealing with in the Greater Manchester area, which is a different kettle of fish to London or those attempting to run the country.
Elections as protest exercises
‘Labour isn’t really doing what they said they were going to do in the manifesto.’
Labour’s lack of political and electoral integrity will be its downfall. A party’s manifesto is its contract with the electorate; it is not a scrap of convenience. Labour seems to have forgotten this basic precept.
What worries me even more is our elections turning into protest exercises, just to boot a party that we are not happy with, and in the process, people start voting for parties like the awful Green Party with policies harmful to the national interest. Few would vote for their policies, so obtuse are those policies. Yet, here we are, talking about that lunatic fringe of politics winning a seat in Parliament. That cannot be good for the country.
A Labour defeat is priced in
I’d say a Labour defeat in Thursday’s by-election is already priced in, so it won’t have any impact on Starmer or the Government beyond a 24-hour gloat fest.
The really big loser from the by-election will be Farage if Reform fail to win the seat.
Gorton will most likely vote majority Green, while Denton will probably vote majority Reform.
The other main factor will be turnout.
Governments often lose by-elections so, with a huge majority, Labour aren’t at any risk of a deeper crisis. With the encouraging budget surplus figures for January, and retail sales and business confidence up, I have a sense that we have turned the corner, so while the by-election comes too soon for the increases in pensions and minimum wage due in April to influence people’s votes, there is a distinct sense of spring in the air for the Government.
Nobody is going to work miracles overnight
Sounds like the Green candidate would be more in touch with the electorate and work hard for the community, but in such a run-down area nobody is going to work miracles overnight. If people could once again take pride in their environment, she could be onto a winner. Leafy suburbs, no, but home insulation and a lick of paint would go a long way.
It is for the Labour government to bring investment to the area, and they don’t seem to have done that. Likewise, if it’s a testament to 14 years of Conservative government, they had their chance, and Reform is just more of the same, only with ex-Tories that weren’t Tory enough.
People don’t like you coming after one of their own
As my home town, I’ve followed this closely and it does seem to be going Green’s way.
There’s been a big smear campaign against Hannah about whether she is a plumber at all and also her non-existent rich partner, which hasn’t gone down well in Manchester. People don’t like you coming after one of their own and, yes, Burnham would have walked it.
Starmer and Labour have only themselves to blame
Starmer decided to put himself before his party by blocking Andy Burnham, who would have walked the by-election.
Starmer and Labour have only themselves to blame. They need to wake up!
Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.
Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the day’s top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click ‘log in’ or ‘register’ in the top right corner to sign in or sign up.
Make sure you adhere to our community guidelines, which can be found here. For a full guide on how to comment, click here.
Read MoreStarmer pauses Chagos Islands deal after Trump criticism
Mandelson scandal will be ‘defining moment’ of Starmer tenure, says Badenoch - latest
Starmer takes aim at rivals in final PMQs before Gorton and Denton by-election
Officials deny pause in Diego Garcia legislation despite Trump criticism
Reform by-election candidate Matt Goodwin escapes £5k fine for leaflet rules breach
There is more at stake with the Gorton and Denton by-election than Starmer’s future
