Overview
- Greater Manchester Police are investigating unbranded letters that promoted Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin, with printer Hardings admitting the legally required imprint was removed in error and Reform saying approved proofs included it.
- Betting markets now make the Greens’ Hannah Spencer a narrow favourite, with Reform next and Labour at longer odds, while polling and MRP models present a mixed picture of the outcome.
- Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell calls the 26 February vote a dry run for taking on Reform and says the Peter Mandelson scandal will be raised by voters on the doorstep.
- Campaigning has intensified as Nigel Farage tours the seat for Reform, Green leader Zack Polanski pitches a Greens-versus-Reform contest, and Labour sends senior ministers to bolster its ground game.
- Eleven candidates are confirmed, including Labour’s Angeliki Stogia, Reform’s Matt Goodwin, the Greens’ Hannah Spencer, Conservative Charlotte Cadden and Liberal Democrat Jackie Pearcey.