Overview
- Manchester councillor Angeliki Stogia was chosen by Labour and launched a focused local campaign supported by senior figures.
- Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was barred by Labour’s NEC under rules to avoid a mayoral by‑election and he has endorsed Stogia.
- The field now includes Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin, the Greens’ Hannah Spencer, the Liberal Democrats’ Jackie Pearcey and the Conservatives’ Charlotte Cadden.
- Keir Starmer denounced “poisonous division” after far‑right activist Tommy Robinson endorsed Goodwin, and Reform said Robinson is not welcome in the party.
- A small Find Out Now poll of 143 respondents suggested Reform leading but with significant caveats, and polling day is set for 26 February following Andrew Gwynne’s health‑related resignation.