Andy Burnham not being allowed to stand is seen as a tactical decision by Starmer that may have cost Labour an easier win but avoided returning a dominant rival to Westminster.
Anna Gross and George Parker debated that Burnham likely could have won but would fuel leadership speculation.
insights INSIGHT
Greens Campaigned With Labour Style Economics
The Greens campaigned on cost-of-living and economic populism rather than traditional environmental messaging.
Jennifer Williams noted Hannah Spencer echoed Corbyn and Andy Burnham themes, emphasising billionaires and local issues over climate detail.
insights INSIGHT
Targeted Messaging Raised Sectarian Concerns
The Greens' targeted messaging in Urdu and use of Modi-Starmer imagery sparked accusations of sectarian targeting in a constituency with a large Muslim population.
George Parker and Lucy Fisher highlighted controversy over tailoring outreach to specific communities.
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The Gorton and Denton by-election was supposedly a three-horse race, but on polling day the Green Party stormed to victory by a vast margin. It was a devastating defeat for Labour, which was pushed into third place behind Reform UK. Sir Keir Starmer now faces intense pressure, while his party must battle a threat from the left as well as the right. Does this historic result – the first ever by-election triumph for the Greens – signal the end of the two-party system? And where does it leave Reform?
Host Lucy Fisher is joined by FT political correspondent Anna Gross, northern England correspondent Jennifer Williams, and political editor George Parker.
Follow: Lucy @LOS_Fisher and @lucyfisher.ft.com; George @georgewparker; Jennifer @JenWilliams_FT; Anna @AnnaSophieGross
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Political Fix is presented by Lucy Fisher. This episode was produced by Fiona Symon and Mischa Frankl-Duval. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.
