Sir Keir Starmer makes surprise visit to Gorton and Denton days before by-election – this is what he said – Manchester Evening News Skip to main content The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Rushford Park in Longsight to support Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election . 23 February 2026 Sir Keir Starmer has described the Gorton and Denton by-election as a 'straight fight between Labour and Reform' in a surprise visit to the constituency this afternoon (February 23). The Prime Minister paid a short visit to Rushford Park football club in Longsight, accompanied by the party’s candidate, Angeliki Stogia, and deputy leader and Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell. And the Manchester Evening News was there to question him on Labour’s chances on the crunch poll and his decision to block Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing. Addressing an audience of party faithful in the club’s function room, he said the by-election came down to a ‘choice between unity and division, between hope and hostility’.
Published: February 23, 2026 3:26 pm
Source: Manchester Evening News — Read original