The industrial estate in Denton, Greater Manchester, houses one of Britain’s most elusive political headquarters. Reform UK’s campaign base for the Gorton and Denton by-election remained shrouded in secrecy until our correspondent tracked it down to a warehouse adorned with turquoise posters featuring leader Nigel Farage and local candidate Matt Goodwin.
The February 26th contest has emerged as a crucial political battleground, testing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership amid internal Labour turmoil. The by-election, triggered by the previous Labour MP’s health-related resignation, has become a three-way struggle between Labour, Reform, and the Greens in a constituency historically loyal to Labour since 1935.
Inside Reform’s headquarters, the atmosphere contrasted sharply with the quiet industrial estate outside. A massive Union Jack dominated one wall, emphasizing the party’s nationalist stance. Sarah Pochin, Reform’s MP for Runcorn, described the constituency as “desperate for a strong voice” against what she called the “Westminster bubble.”
The demographic divide defines this political struggle: Gorton’s ethnic diversity versus Denton’s white working-class communities. Reform has made significant inroads among the latter, while the Greens have surged with support from young and Muslim voters.
Matt Goodwin, the Reform candidate and former academic turned GB News presenter, has courted controversy with statements about British Muslims and integration. His comments about British values and immigrant communities have drawn criticism from opponents.
The Green campaign presents a stark contrast—a small, vibrant storefront on a busy high street with diverse volunteers including pensioners and students. Their candidate, Hannah Spencer, a 34-year-old plumber and plasterer, represents the party’s working-class appeal. She criticized Goodwin’s “deeply offensive and racist” statements while emphasizing shared British values across communities.
The Gaza conflict has emerged as a significant issue, with Green MP Sian Berry criticizing Labour’s continued cooperation with Israel. This position has resonated with Muslim voters and others concerned about foreign policy.
Despite the challenges, Labour maintains substantial support, particularly among less politically engaged voters and some ethnic minority communities. Campaign billboards warn that only Labour can prevent a Reform victory.
The Conservative Party, once dominant nationally, appears irrelevant in this contest, with no visible campaign presence.
This by-election symbolizes Britain’s transformed political landscape, where traditional party loyalties have fractured and new ideological battles define the future of British politics.