Story perspectives

Labour's By-Election Blunder: Green Party Claims Historic Win

3/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lucy Powell (Labour deputy leader) said Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, would likely have won the Gorton and Denton by-election after Labour finished third.
The Green Party won a seat Labour had held for nearly 100 years.
Powell, Labour National Executive Committee (NEC) member backing Burnham, accepted responsibility for blocking him over a mayoral by-election.
Keir Starmer faced criticism, with party members calling the decision a 'catastrophic error'.

History

Historical Context

The 2015 UK General Election marked a significant turning point for the Labour Party, which lost 26 seats, securing only 232, its lowest since 1987. This defeat followed a trend of declining influence, particularly in Scotland, where the Scottish National Party won 56 of 59 seats. The leadership crisis that ensued led to Jeremy Corbyn's election as leader, reshaping Labour's direction amidst ongoing electoral challenges.

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Story summary

Lucy Powell (Labour deputy leader) said Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, would likely have won the Gorton and Denton by-election after Labour finished third.
The Green Party won a seat Labour had held for nearly 100 years.
Powell, Labour National Executive Committee (NEC) member backing Burnham, accepted responsibility for blocking him over a mayoral by-election.
Keir Starmer faced criticism, with party members calling the decision a 'catastrophic error'.

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