Polls open in Gorton and Denton by-election that could decide Starmer’s future | 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)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleChristopher McKeonThursday 26 February 2026 07:28 GMTSir Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour) (House of Commons)A crucial by-election is underway in Gorton and Denton, serving as a significant test for Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.The contest is predicted to be a tight three-way race between Labour's Angeliki Stogia, Reform UK's Matt Goodwin, and the Green Party's Hannah Spencer.Sir Keir Starmer urged voters to back Labour, framing the election as a choice between his party and Reform UK, criticising Reform's "toxic politics."The Green Party has positioned itself as the primary option for anti-Reform voters, with candidate Hannah Spencer vowing to "run the far right out of Manchester."Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited the constituency, encouraging voters to support his party, while Reform also suspended an interim campaign manager over alleged inappropriate social media remarks.Thank 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