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Labour Selects Sarwar for Gorton-Denton By-Election Amid Controversy

1/29/2026

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Sarwar Leads By-Election

The Workers Party of Britain has chosen Shahbaz Sarwar, a Manchester City Councillor, as its candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election on February 26, following Andrew Gwynne's resignation due to health issues.
Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) prevented Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from running, citing cost concerns, which Burnham denied knowing in advance.
Approximately 50 Labour MPs have called on the NEC to reconsider its decision.
Reform UK's candidate, Matt Goodwin, labeled the election a referendum on Labour leader Keir Starmer, while Labour officials criticized Goodwin's divisive approach.

Left

Greens Challenge Reform

The Gorton and Denton by-election is highly competitive, with bookmakers listing the Green Party at 6/4, Reform UK at 13/8, Labour at 2/1, and the Conservatives at 200/1.
Labour's NEC excluded Andy Burnham (Labour) from the race, a move that may alienate voters.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski says the Greens are best positioned to challenge Reform, stressing the need to understand voter behavior.

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Sarwar Leads By-Election

The Workers Party of Britain has chosen Shahbaz Sarwar, a Manchester City Councillor, as its candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election on February 26, following Andrew Gwynne's resignation due to health issues.
Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) prevented Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from running, citing cost concerns, which Burnham denied knowing in advance.
Approximately 50 Labour MPs have called on the NEC to reconsider its decision.
Reform UK's candidate, Matt Goodwin, labeled the election a referendum on Labour leader Keir Starmer, while Labour officials criticized Goodwin's divisive approach.

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