The Daily T ‘Labour is the paedo defender party’: Starmer faces brutal verdict ahead of by-election
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Feb 25, 2026 They dissect explosive PMQs clashes, including a furious attack labeling Labour the paedo defender party and tactical question-planting ahead of a by-election. Reports about Peter Mandelson’s arrest and leaked Epstein locker details create political shockwaves. There’s on-the-ground reporting from Gorton and Denton about Green campaigning, Reform’s mobilisation, and the tight by-election battle.
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Paedo Defender Charge Became By-Election Weapon
- Kemi Badenoch accused Labour of being the "paedo defender party," a line that landed hard with opponents despite Labour's offence.
- The remark was used politically at PMQs to frame Labour negatively ahead of the Gorton and Denton by-election, tying national scandal to local campaigning.
Starmer Turned Drug Policy Into Personal Fear
- Keir Starmer framed the Green policy on drugs as "legalising cocaine, heroin, ketamine," using vivid language about GHB and youth exposure.
- He personalised it by mentioning his 17-year-old son to make the policy feel dangerous to voters in Gorton and Denton.
Labour Used Multilingual Outreach As Strategy
- Labour leaned into multicultural appeals: Urdu leaflets and direct outreach to Muslim voters were central to their by-election play.
- The move aimed to contrast Labour's "diversity is unity" message with Reform's "we talk to everyone" pitch.