Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Labour Risks Historic By-Election Loss in Gorton

2/26/2026

40 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Labour faces a potentially historic loss in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Polls show a tight three-way race among Labour's Angeliki Stogia, Reform UK's Matt Goodwin, and the Greens' Hannah Spencer.
A Labour loss would be the first for the constituency in nearly 100 years.
Sir Keir Starmer, Labour leader, could be jeopardized by a third-place finish.

History

Historical Context

The Labour Party's stronghold in Manchester Gorton began in 1923, when it first won the constituency with 29.5% of the vote. Since then, Labour has maintained a significant majority, with Afzal Khan winning re-election in 2019. However, the upcoming by-election in 2026 poses a threat to this legacy, as changing voter sentiments could challenge Sir Keir Starmer's leadership and reshape Labour's future strategies.

1 of 2

Story summary

Labour faces a potentially historic loss in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Polls show a tight three-way race among Labour's Angeliki Stogia, Reform UK's Matt Goodwin, and the Greens' Hannah Spencer.
A Labour loss would be the first for the constituency in nearly 100 years.
Sir Keir Starmer, Labour leader, could be jeopardized by a third-place finish.

1 / 2