Two things are noticeable in Gorton and Denton: palpable frustration and the need to vote wisely and intensively to staunch Reform
I’m still unable to predict the result after listening to locals, but I can tell that a big, combined effort would be needed. The left may shatter and lose if they do not form a united front. Staying for a short period of time in Gorton and Denton can make you aware that next week’s by-election is really important. If Labour doesn’t lose in what’s called an over-50% solid red-voting area since the Second World War, that would soothe nerves on its febrile back and front benches. If Labour loses, Keir Starmer has to face heavy blame for fixing the party’s ruling NEC to stop Andy Burnham’s selection, corroborating that he, without a Westminster seat, could abstain from challenging for the leadership. Only a few are dubious about the popular Greater Manchester mayor winning next week in Gorton and Denton on his home patch. So, when it comes to blocking him, it is widely seen as grubby Westminster politicking that has faltered instead of strengthened Starmer’s control over the lea...