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Labour's By-Election Loss Sparks Internal Division and Scrutiny

2/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Labour Party lost the Gorton and Denton by-election to the Green Party and Reform.
The result has split Labour MPs and activists over why it happened.
Insiders say Labour's campaign was muddled and failed to target both rivals.
Sir Keir Starmer's leadership faces scrutiny as Labour must refocus on its left-wing base ahead of the May local elections, especially in London, where Greens are poised to gain.

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Story summary

The Labour Party lost the Gorton and Denton by-election to the Green Party and Reform.
The result has split Labour MPs and activists over why it happened.
Insiders say Labour's campaign was muddled and failed to target both rivals.
Sir Keir Starmer's leadership faces scrutiny as Labour must refocus on its left-wing base ahead of the May local elections, especially in London, where Greens are poised to gain.