Summary
Lucy Powell, Labour's deputy leader, stated that Andy Burnham might have won the Gorton and Denton by-election if he had been able to run. The Green Party won the seat, with Reform UK coming second, leading to questions about Labour's decision to block Burnham from participating. Some within the Labour Party believe Burnham's popularity could have helped them maintain the seat.
Key Facts
- Andy Burnham was blocked from running in the Gorton and Denton by-election by Labour's National Executive Committee.
- Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, suggested Burnham might have won the by-election.
- The Green Party won its fifth parliamentary seat in this election.
- Reform UK secured second place, and Labour came third.
- The NEC cited high costs of a replacement mayoral election as the reason for blocking Burnham.
- Some Labour members believe Burnham's popularity could benefit the party nationwide.
- Angela Rayner described Labour's loss as a "wake-up call".
- The by-election was considered an important test for Labour in a working-class area with a diverse population.
