Manchester (The Palestine Telegraph News) January 31, 2026 –
Authorities have confirmed the complete list of candidates contesting the
by-election in the Gorton and Denton constituency in Greater Manchester. The
election, now scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, follows the
resignation of Labour MP Andrew Gwynne due to health reasons. Candidates from
Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens, Reform UK, Advance UK, and
independents have been officially verified after nominations closed on January
29, 2026.
Returning Officer Andrew Gwynne announced the candidates
with no rejections reported. This by-election tests major parties in a Labour
stronghold where Reform UK placed second in the 2024 general election.
Constituency Background and Election Trigger
The Gorton and Denton seat formed under the 2023 boundary
review, combining Manchester Gorton and Denton and Reddish. Labour secured a
majority of over 13,000 votes in 2024, with Reform UK receiving around 5,000
votes for second place ahead of the Greens.
Andrew Gwynne resigned for health reasons, prompting the by-election writ on January 16, 2026. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham considered standing for Labour but was blocked by the party's National Executive Committee. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described it as a straight fight between Labour and Reform.
Voter registration closed January 26, postal votes by
February 13, and proxy votes by February 17. Nominations required 10 voter
signatures, a £500 deposit, and consent forms, all accepted without issue.
Full List of Confirmed Candidates
Returning Officer Andrew Gwynne published the statement of
persons nominated on January 30, 2026. The candidates, listed in nomination
order, include:
- Afzal
Khan (Labour Party): Address at Flat 3, Town Hall, Manchester. Former MEP
for North West England (2014-2024) and MP for Manchester Gorton (2017-2024).
- Reem
Ibrahim (The Conservative Party Candidate): Address in Gorton South ward.
Financial consultant and local campaigner.
- Hannah
Ponting (Liberal Democrats): Denton North East ward resident. Local
councillor and education advocate.
- Sara
Khan (Green Party): Fallowfield area. Focuses on environmental and
community health policies.
- Matt
Goodwin (Reform UK): Announced earlier by the party. GB News presenter,
former academic, and political commentator.
Reform UK highlighted their candidate selection this week.
Reform UK - @reformparty_uk said in X post,
“This week we announced Matt Goodwin as our candidate for the Gorton & Denton by-election. This is why you should vote for him on the 26th of February.”
- Nick
Buckley (Advance UK): Former Manchester firefighter with over 20 years'
experience in challenging communities.
Advance UK marked their entry with an announcement today.
Advance UK - @_AdvanceUK said in X post,
“Advance UK today announces @NickBuckleyMBE as its candidate for the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, marking a significant moment in the Party’s continued growth and commitment to serious, principled politics rooted in real-world experience. Nick Buckley brings more than two decades of frontline experience working in some of Manchester’s most challenging communities. Raised on a council estate in South Manchester by a single mother, Nick’s life and career have been shaped by a deep understanding of the realities faced by families, young people, and communities too often failed by politics-as-usual.”
- Independent
candidates: John Kelly (workers' rights activist, Openshaw), Paul Lord
(businessman, Denton), Louise Brierley (community organiser, Gorton
North), Martin Denness (housing campaigner, Audenshaw).
Ballot papers feature party logos; independents listed
alphabetically. No other minor parties met thresholds.
Key Electoral Logistics and Voter Information
Manchester City Council oversees the poll for over 75,000
electors. Stations open 7am to 10pm on February 26; poll cards detail
locations. Photo ID required per Elections Act 2022; Voter Authority
Certificates available free.
Emergency proxies accepted on polling day for illness or
work. Spending limit: £11,530, returns due within 35 days.
Candidate Profiles and Campaign Focuses
Afzal Khan offers parliamentary experience in justice and
home affairs. Reem Ibrahim pledges tax relief and transport improvements.
Hannah Ponting prioritises green energy and youth services. Sara Khan targets
air quality and food security.
Matt Goodwin frames the contest as a referendum on Keir
Starmer, vowing a voice against the establishment. Nick Buckley emphasises
real-world experience from council estates and frontline work.
Independents address employment, business support,
anti-social behaviour, and housing.
Historical Context of the Constituency
Labour has dominated Gorton and Denton historically, with 50%+ vote share in 2024 at 55% turnout. Denton wards show closer Conservative margins post-boundaries. Recent by-elections like Rochdale (2025) saw independent gains.
Challenges include industrial regeneration, child poverty,
and city centre links. Polls indicate Reform momentum nationally, with Labour
facing left-right squeezes.
Implications for Local and National Politics
Labour focuses attacks on Greens over policies like drug decriminalisation.
Reform eyes matching SNP Commons size with a win. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy
Burnham endorsed Labour amid NEC tensions.
Around 50 Labour MPs urged NEC rethink on Burnham. Results
expected early February 27; recounts possible.
Council leader Bev Craig stressed accessibility for disabled
voters. The election benchmarks UK processes under current laws.