Starmer Sidesteps Commitment to Key Manchester By-Election

Sir Keir Starmer has declined to confirm his involvement in the upcoming by-election campaign in Gorton and Denton, a vital contest for Labour in Manchester. During a trip to China and Japan, the Prime Minister faced repeated questions from reporters about joining the ground efforts but emphasized broader national campaigning instead.

The by-election, set for February 26, pits Labour against Reform, with the party aiming to retain former voters tempted by the Greens while countering Reform’s advances. Starmer highlighted the endorsement of Reform’s candidate by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, framing the race as a clash between Labour’s inclusive approach and what he called Reform’s “poisonous division.”

Labour’s Candidate and Campaign Focus

Labour recently selected Manchester councillor Angeliki Stogia as its candidate for the seat, vacated after revelations about offensive messages from the previous holder, Andrew Gwynne. At her launch event, Stogia described herself as a “proud Mancunian woman” who has “walked the streets of this constituency.” She stressed unity in Manchester, rejecting division, and expressed enthusiasm for doorstep campaigning to secure a Labour victory.

Starmer blocked Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, a potential leadership rival, from contesting the seat, adding to internal party dynamics.

Concerns Over Starmer’s Popularity and Past Absence

One Labour MP expressed skepticism about Starmer’s presence, stating, “You won’t see him in Gorton. He’s toxic, and a Londoner to boot. He gets altitude sickness up there.” This echoes a previous by-election in Runcorn a year ago, where Starmer did not appear, and Labour lost by just six votes to Reform. At the time, party chair Ellie Reeves noted that Prime Ministers typically avoid by-election campaigning.

Starmer’s net favorability stands at minus 57 according to recent YouGov polling, the lowest for any Prime Minister except the brief tenure of Liz Truss. His government has faced U-turns on policies and delays in fulfilling election pledges, contributing to the slump.

Despite the challenges, Starmer insisted the by-election boils down to Labour versus Reform, positioning his party as the force for renewal, inclusive communities, and genuine patriotism.