Thurs. 26 Feb By Election :Labour MP Andrew Gwynne to Stand Down

[arista]

So Far :

Angeliki Stogia (Labour)


Matt Goodwin (Reform UK)


Charlotte Cadden (Conservative)


Jackie Pearcey (Liberal Democrats)


Hannah Spencer (Green Party)

Nick Buckly (Advance UK)

Sebastian Moore (Social Democratic Party)

Joseph O'Meachair (Rejoin EU Party)

Dan Clarke (Libertarian Party)






[Former Labour health minister Andrew Gwynne
is set to step down from parliament,
Sky News understands]


https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-64203df3-0c58-4058-80b8-2731ec9be987.jpeg


[The 51-year-old was sacked from the government
and had the Labour whip removed
over racist and sexist WhatsApp messages
in February last year.

In a group used by Manchester Labour politicians,
he mocked a constituent who complained
about bin collections in explicit language
and made offensive comments
about Dame Dianne Abbott.]


https://news.sky.com/story/politics-latest-starmer-labour-trump-lammy-vance-tankers-greenland-threats-nato-12593360

[bots]

they are saying this is the route back in for Burnham. We will see

[arista]

they are saying this is the route back in for Burnham. We will see


Yes or a New Reform MP

[arista]

Reported

[A by-election could be held on the same day
as the 2026 Local Elections on May 7,
sparking a potential leadership headache for the Prime Minister.]

I will put that date in the title, for now

[bots]

Burnham is pleading ignorance, so it must be the plan

[Livia]

Burnham is pleading ignorance, so it must be the plan

LOL... I was thinking the same.

[Oliver_W]

Even if Burnham is the Saint of Manchester, would a northern working class city vote for Labour, at the moment?

It probably would be a Reform win.

[bots]

Even if Burnham is the Saint of Manchester, would a northern working class city vote for Labour, at the moment?

It probably would be a Reform win.

it's a traditional safe labour seat. How that translates now, we will just have to wait and see

[joeysteele]

I personally think Andy Burnham would be ill advised to stand in this seat.

Although I'd love Andy to be in parliament.

However, not at this time, in the current political set up, there's now nothing like safe seats, particularly for the Conservative and Labour Parties

[bots]

I personally think Andy Burnham would be ill advised to stand in this seat.

Although I'd love Andy to be in parliament.

However, not at this time, in the current political set up, there's now nothing like safe seats, particularly for the Conservative and Labour Parties

Also, when politics is moving in a particular direction it is almost impossible to stop. So he may win the seat, win the leadership and still be out at the next election.

Also, the way the world is at the moment, who knows what people will be thinking in 2 year+ time

[arista]

https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-099211d6-fd5b-4d8f-b553-52a31c61756f.png

[arista]

https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-f1ee53dd-c378-4f35-9e27-f65dd39aaa63.png

[Livia]

Rumour is Labour could use a BAME only shortlist. Talk about playing into Reform's hands who will be throwing everything and the kitchen sink at this election.

[bots]

the only thing we know about this election is that the tories will be last :laugh:

[Livia]

the only thing we know about this election is that the tories will be last :laugh:

Oooo lost deposit. Pleeease......

[arista]

Labour has now put a 5PM deadline
for Andy to enter.

As the Sneaky Buggers want the By Election
on Thursday 26 Feb.


Also Reports George Galloway
may enter?


Ref: Sky News Political old guy

[arista]

Also reported

The Green Party Leader Zac
may also run for this

[Oliver_W]

Wouldn't surprise me if Labour block Burnham from running by having an all woman/BAME shortlist, as if it's 2014 :laugh:

[bots]

it just makes Starmer look scared. It will increase pressure on him if they don't let him stand

[arista]

Labour's Clock is ticking 5PM
he must Decide

[AnnieK]

Andy will be taking a risk. Hes got a fairly cushty job in the Mayor role, most peopl3 like him (im not overly a fan). Most people are unhappy with Labour so he would be hoping his individual popularity would win it but it could easily swing to Reform.

Dont think now is the time

[Oliver_W]

Andy will be taking a risk. Hes got a fairly cushty job in the Mayor role, most peopl3 like him (im not overly a fan). Most people are unhappy with Labour so he would be hoping his individual popularity would win it but it could easily swing to Reform.

Dont think now is the time

He's probably the only non-Reform politician who's all-but guaranteed to win the seat. Certain the only Labour politician :laugh:

[arista]

Andy Burnham

has now applied to NEC

To run as a MP


But Could Reform Mayor?
take his job.

[bots]

if reform are smart, they will take the mayor of manchester role and win the by-election

[arista]

[Andy Burnham has formally put himself forward
to stand for parliament in the Manchester constituency
of Gorton and Denton in what could be the first
move in a campaign to replace Keir Starmer.

The Greater Manchester mayor has announced
that he has applied to be a candidate in the
upcoming byelection, having submitted an
application before the
deadline of 5pm on Saturday.

His application will have to be accepted by
Labour’s national executive committee (NEC)
but some of its members have predicted that
the party’s ruling body, which is dominated
by Starmer allies, will try to prevent Burnham’s
return to parliament.]


https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/24/andy-burnham-applies-to-stand-for-labour-in-gorton-and-denton-byelection

[arista]

if reform are smart, they will take the mayor of manchester role and win the by-election


That would be a Shocker

[joeysteele]

There's a process that may not see him end up as the candidate for this by-election.
However I myself, have always hoped and wanted Andy Burnham as leader.
I voted for him as a member when he stood for it in 2015.

Hurdles to cross yet for him to even get to stand to be an MP again.
I do think he'd win this by-election.
However then more difficulties ahead to not only challenge Starmer but to also beat him.
If a leadership election was even likely probable.

However it's what I myself would love to see.
Because I've always strongly admired Andy.

[bots]

I think that constituency is more likely to want a labour leadership contest than a reform mp. Just my 2 cents

[arista]

https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-64ac3685-2f5a-468b-b665-599302916765.jpeg

[arista]

https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-613dc725-4f07-42d8-b338-9621022bb286.png

[arista]

https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-37da8d59-a520-4ff3-9c2b-d17557c22bd3.png

[arista]

[Home Secretary who is
in charge of the Committee
that can still block, Andy Burnham]

She is speaking to Trevor Phillips
on Sky News

[arista]

Sky News Text :
[Senior Labour officials have told The Times
they fear the party will come third behind
Reform UK and the Green Party
in the Gorton and Denton by-election.]



https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-6108173a-510b-41ce-a57b-d84a794ae6c7.png

[arista]

Sky News Text :
[Senior Labour officials have told The Times
they fear the party will come third behind
Reform UK and the Green Party
in the Gorton and Denton by-election.]



https://liveblog.digitalimages.sky/lc-images-sky/lcimg-6108173a-510b-41ce-a57b-d84a794ae6c7.png

[arista]

Reform UK has put
Presenter Matt Goodwin to run as an MP

[Reform UK have unveiled GB News presenter
and academic turned activist Matt Goodwin as their
candidate to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Speaking at a press conference, Goodwin
said he was "not part of the establishment"
or the "Westminster blob" and promised to
give people in the constituency "a voice" in
Parliament.

The by-election in the Greater Manchester
constituency was triggered by the
resignation of Andrew Gwynne,
who stepped down for health reasons.]


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gr06y3n9zo

[Liam-]

Christ, it really is a shallow pool isn’t it

[joeysteele]

I cannot stand that creep Goodwin.
Have never ever liked him.

Whether Labour, LibDems and Greens use their heads now to ensure he doesn't win is another thing though.

They need to at this moment in time, look to who IS the more likely to beat Reform and get behind that one candidate and Party.

[Crimson Dynamo]

I cannot stand that creep Goodwin.
Have never ever liked him.





I’m so happy Matt Goodwin will be standing. He will make a fantastic MP. He will bring an academic analytical style to questions in the House of Commons. Let’s do all we can to get him elected. 🇬🇧❤️

[Crimson Dynamo]

Sophy Ridge
sophyRidgeSky

I asked Liz Kendall about *that* video of @GoodwinMJ that Labour have put out



https://x.com/SophyRidgeSky/status/2016427386540003808?s=20

:shocked: wow, what else are they lying about

[Livia]

Liz Kendall... Another beige Labour liar.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Liz Kendall... Another beige Labour liar.

Liz Kendall - Labour’s Minister responsible for stamping out fake news and
disinformation in the media.

YCNMIU

[arista]

Sophy Ridge
sophyRidgeSky

I asked Liz Kendall about *that* video of @GoodwinMJ that Labour have put out



https://x.com/SophyRidgeSky/status/2016427386540003808?s=20

:shocked: wow, what else are they lying about


She does not know about the misleading clip?

Good on Sky News showing the problem with Labour

[Livia]

Liz Kendall - Labour’s Minister responsible for stamping out fake news and
disinformation in the media.

YCNMIU

It's true, YCN....

[Crimson Dynamo]

Matt Goodwin has an announcement

https://x.com/GoodwinMJ/status/2016511371630751857?s=20

[Parmy]

Oh dear.

[arista]

Labour pick Angeliki Stogia
for Gorton by-election

[The Manchester councillor was chosen to
represent the party after Greater Manchester mayor
Andy Burnham was denied permission to enter
the contest a week ago.

Earlier on Saturday, Burnham posted on X:
"Big congrats Angeliki! I know you will do a great job.
I will be there for you whenever you need me."] Ref:BBC

[arista]

List so far :

Angeliki Stogia (Labour)

Matt Goodwin (Reform UK)

Jackie Pearcey (Liberal Democrats)

Hannah Spencer (Green Party)

Sebastian Moore (Social Democratic Party)

[arista]

Green Party Leader (Zack Polanski)
is not standing in this Election,
He said he will stand in London
Whenever they have an election there.

He has spent 20 years in London.

Ref: BBC1 Laura interview

[Crimson Dynamo]

Let’s be honest about Greek lady Angeliki Stogia. No scandals. No drama. No fire. And that’s exactly the problem.

She’s the Labour Party’s safest possible choice. Long-serving councillor, low profile, surgically selected by the NEC after they blocked Andy Burnham. Stitch up politics, not democracy.

In a seat angry about crime, grooming failures, borders and decline, Labour offers… continuity. Silence. A council resume and hope nobody asks awkward questions.

This by-election isn’t about whether she’s a “nice person”. It’s about whether voters want more of the same blob thinking that created the mess.

Safe candidate. Safe message. Unsafe for Labour.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G__kBrFWUAAhzS3?format=jpg&name=small

[Crimson Dynamo]

This is the green goon candidate they have now put up pretending to be a plasterer

and going on about the mythical "far right" :rolleyes:

read the comments from actual tradespeople :joker:

https://x.com/NoWayWoke/status/2017882074384826627?s=20

[MTVN]

Advance UK are fielding a candidate which is getting Reform very nervous

[Crimson Dynamo]

I very much doubt they care

[MTVN]

I very much doubt they care

They're rattled all over X

[Crimson Dynamo]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HAEZC2eXUAAKBkU?format=jpg&name=small

Lucy Powell MP
LucyMPowell
Delighted that Angeliki Stogia is Labour’s candidate for Gorton & Denton by-election.

She’s a strong Mancunian woman with Labour values & a record of delivery.

All our doorstep work is clear, only Labour can win against reform. Don’t risk voting for others.

[bots]

your vote counts LT? :laugh:

[Livia]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HAEZC2eXUAAKBkU?format=jpg&name=small

Lucy Powell MP
LucyMPowell
Delighted that Angeliki Stogia is Labour’s candidate for Gorton & Denton by-election.

She’s a strong Mancunian woman with Labour values & a record of delivery.

All our doorstep work is clear, only Labour can win against reform. Don’t risk voting for others.

You're Greek or your Mancunian. You can't ride two horses with only one arse.

[arista]

Angeliki Stogia (Labour)


Matt Goodwin (Reform UK)


Charlotte Cadden (Conservative)


Jackie Pearcey (Liberal Democrats)


Hannah Spencer (Green Party)
Nick Buckly (Advance UK)
Sebastian Moore (Social Democratic Party)

[arista]

Thats the main 7 Standing.

[arista]

2 others standing

Joseph O'Meachair (Rejoin EU Party)

Dan Clarke (Libertarian Party)

[Livia]

Sir Oink A-Lot is looking pretty good....

[arista]

Sir Oink A-Lot is looking pretty good....


Waste of time
Joke Fella is no good


This is a zone that needs help

[Crimson Dynamo]

Matt is the only serious contender; the rest are truly appalling

[arista]

Advance UK are fielding a candidate which is getting Reform very nervous

Advance UK
is Ben Habib


Kicked out of Reform UK



Advance UK is a Pathetic group