Starmer makes final desperate plea to voters in crucial by-election | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDavid MaddoxThursday 26 February 2026 01:59 GMTBadenoch says Mandelson scandal will be ‘defining moment’ of Starmer’s tenure as PMSir Keir Starmer issued a final plea to voters in the Gorton and Denton by-election, urging them to back Labour against what he described as "toxic" politics and specifically targeting Reform's candidate and the Green Party's drug legalisation policy.The by-election, in what was Labour's seventh safest seat, is a close three-way contest between Labour, the Green Party and Reform, with political analysts suggesting it could indicate a significant shift in British politics.Green Party leader Zack Polanski expressed confidence in a potential shock victory, asserting his party is "on the cusp of transforming British politics" and presenting themselves as the most effective choice to counter Reform.Concerns within Labour ranks suggest some MPs view a Green Party victory as potentially more damaging than a Reform win, fearing it could legitimise the Greens and fragment the left-wing vote in future elections.The result carries historical weight: a Labour defeat would be the first in Gorton in nearly a century, while a Green victory would mark their inaugural by-election win for the House of Commons and their first seat in the North of England.In fullStarmer urges voters to reject ‘toxic’ politics in last ditch plea to win crucial Gorton and Denton by-electionThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in