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Original poster

Importance of Gorton and Denton

233 replies

Acommonreader · 01/02/2026 10:48

I don’t want to get into the candidates or parties here! Please can someone tell me why huge attention is being given to this by election ?
I know that it’s been Labour for a long time but it seems to be publicised as hugely important to all concerned. Is it just a potential indication of future voting or something else?
I have been looking for information but it’s all about the candidates rather than the wider significance of the results beyond the victor. I’m genuinely just try to understand the wider picture. Thanks

OP posts:
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MunicipalDarwinism · 01/02/2026 18:46

patooties · 01/02/2026 16:40

I think Labour will win it (I am local and engaged in this sphere) I think Labour will come through the middle.
the candidates selected are a gift to the the Labour Party.

What is the feeling locally about Burnham not being allowed to stand?

Dragonflytamer · 01/02/2026 18:34

If it wasn't for the Burnham/Starmer pycho-drama it wouldn't really matter I don't think anywhere enough. Burnham has made it a must win by-election for starmer, otherwise it would just go in the normal the ruling party normally lose by election bucket.

patooties · 01/02/2026 16:40

I think Labour will win it (I am local and engaged in this sphere) I think Labour will come through the middle.
the candidates selected are a gift to the the Labour Party.

MunicipalDarwinism · 01/02/2026 16:38

HeddaGarbled · 01/02/2026 12:00

It’ll be taken as an indicator of Reform’s chances of winning the next election, but just because the media are making a massive deal out of it, you don’t have to.

By-elections and local elections are used as protest votes against the incumbent government and shouldn’t be given undue weight.

Very sensible and measured response. But the drama llamas will be along soon to predict Starmer being deposed etc.

Original poster
Acommonreader · 01/02/2026 16:35

Bromptotoo · 01/02/2026 11:48

The Burnham drama started the focus.

It's going to be a short campaign with three parties - Labour, Reform or the Greens potentially able to win.

Reform and Labour at least will throw the kitchen sink at it. It'll be the most contested, and dirtiest fought, byelection since Bermondsey in the eighties.

It's also a dress rehearsal for how FPTP totally fails once seats are 3 or more way. If it delivers an egregious result on that basis there may be Damascene conversions to PR!!

Appreciate the response and information. Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
Acommonreader · 01/02/2026 16:34

HeddaGarbled · 01/02/2026 12:00

It’ll be taken as an indicator of Reform’s chances of winning the next election, but just because the media are making a massive deal out of it, you don’t have to.

By-elections and local elections are used as protest votes against the incumbent government and shouldn’t be given undue weight.

Thanks. As I said , just trying to keep informed as this by election is everywhere!

OP posts:
HeddaGarbled · 01/02/2026 12:00

It’ll be taken as an indicator of Reform’s chances of winning the next election, but just because the media are making a massive deal out of it, you don’t have to.

By-elections and local elections are used as protest votes against the incumbent government and shouldn’t be given undue weight.

Bromptotoo · 01/02/2026 11:48

The Burnham drama started the focus.

It's going to be a short campaign with three parties - Labour, Reform or the Greens potentially able to win.

Reform and Labour at least will throw the kitchen sink at it. It'll be the most contested, and dirtiest fought, byelection since Bermondsey in the eighties.

It's also a dress rehearsal for how FPTP totally fails once seats are 3 or more way. If it delivers an egregious result on that basis there may be Damascene conversions to PR!!