The Story The by-election that could decide the UK's future
Feb 5, 2026
Darryl Morris, Times Radio presenter and reporter who covers Manchester politics on the ground. He explains why the Gorton and Denton by-election has become a three-way fight. Short takes cover the constituency’s mixed demographics, local disillusionment and key candidates from Labour, Reform and the Greens. The contest is framed as a small-scale test of broader national political shifts.
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Fractured Constituency Reflects National Trends
- Gorton and Denton is a patchwork constituency combining affluent, student-heavy Manchester wards and whiter, blue-collar Tameside wards.
- That demographic mix makes it a vivid microcosm of fragmented national politics and electoral volatility.
Voter Talks Wealth Gap And Distrust
- Darryl described meeting Darren, a disillusioned voter who watches Tommy Robinson content and plans to back Reform as 'the best of a bad bunch.'
- Darren pointed out visible wealth disparity nearby, highlighting local frustration with rising land prices.
Labour Loyalty Is Shallow Locally
- Historically this area should be a Labour stronghold, with a 2019 notional Labour share of 67.2%.
- Yet shallow contemporary loyalty makes even 'rock solid' Labour seats vulnerable to insurgent parties.