The Labour Party has launched a significant critique against the Green Party's stance on drug legalization, particularly as both parties position themselves to be the leading left-wing alternative to Reform UK in the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection. This competition intensifies as Labour seeks to counter previous criticisms that it has been too hesitant in presenting itself as the primary opponent to Reform, especially following Plaid Cymru's recent success in Caerphilly.
As the byelection approaches at the end of February, Labour leader Keir Starmer faces a formidable challenge to maintain control over Gorton and Denton, despite a comfortable majority of 13,000 votes in the past. This challenge is compounded by the party's decision to prevent the popular Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, from being its candidate. The Greens and Reform are optimistic about their chances of securing the seat.
This week, Labour initiated a series of targeted online advertisements in the constituency, emphasizing the Green Party's proposal to "legalize all drugs," which they have branded as "extreme and dangerous." Notably, Labour has yet to announce its own candidate for the election.
In response, the Green Party criticized Labour’s approach, suggesting that using the critical issue of drug-related health problems as a political weapon is disrespectful to the many families affected by drug-related fatalities every year.
Lucy Powell, Labour's deputy leader, introduced the party's advertising campaign in Gorton and dismissed the idea that the Greens would pose a serious threat as the primary opposition to Reform. She stated, "There have been some mixed messages in the media, but the Greens cannot win here. Voting for them is risky because it could allow Reform to gain a foothold. Just recently, we lost a byelection in Runcorn by a mere six votes due to Green votes. The Reform MP there has made problematic statements about racial representation in media."
Powell emphasized the implications of voting for any party other than Labour in this crucial contest, asserting, "There are no Green councillors in this area; we have strong local support. This constituency has traditionally been Labour, and the question is whether we will let Reform infiltrate our territory."
Reform has nominated Matthew Goodwin, a right-wing activist, for the seat, while the Green Party is deciding between Trafford councillor Hannah Spencer and deputy leader Mothin Ali.
As Labour rolled out its new ads, a party spokesperson reiterated that the election in Gorton and Denton is a key contest solely between Labour and Reform. They highlighted concerns about Farage's intentions to create divisions within Manchester's communities if Goodwin were to win, citing his history of fostering community discord and past endorsements of controversial figures like Tommy Robinson. The spokesperson argued, "Only Labour can halt the spread of Reform’s harmful politics. The Greens are not a serious option, and their extreme drug policy simply underlines that point. Voting for the Greens would only enable Reform to sneak in."
This election is shaping up to be a competitive three-way race among Labour, Reform, and the Greens. Both challenger parties previously placed second in the constituency held by Andrew Gwynne until he stepped down due to health issues after becoming an independent MP amidst a scandal involving inappropriate messages in a WhatsApp group.
Labour and the Greens are both eager to persuade voters that they hold the best chance of defeating Reform, attempting to attract tactical voters who are keen to choose an effective candidate against Nigel Farage's party. However, if neither party can consolidate their support, there's a risk that votes on the left will be divided, potentially benefiting Reform.
Responding to Labour’s ads featuring clips of Polanski discussing drug policies, a Green Party spokesperson claimed that the contest is now fundamentally a two-way race between the Greens and Reform. They asserted, "Only the Greens can defeat Reform; even Labour MPs acknowledge this daily. Our feedback from voters suggests that Labour's support is dwindling. We offer genuine solutions to the cost of living crisis and a transformative vision for the country. Labour and Reform are merely reiterating old strategies that deepen societal divides. We are committed to a positive campaign focused on reducing inequality, lowering bills, and celebrating our community's diversity and unity."
Labour is expected to announce its candidate shortly, although some members are urging higher-ups to reconsider their decision to block Burnham from standing. His exclusion was justified by concerns related to the costs of running a Greater Manchester mayoral campaign, but some allies of Starmer appeared reluctant to allow him the chance to challenge their leadership as an MP.
Andrea Egan, the general secretary of Unison, a prominent financial supporter of Labour, publicly criticized the move in the Tribune magazine, describing it as a "cynical stitch-up." She questioned, "What justification exists for preventing Andy Burnham, arguably the most favorably regarded politician in Britain, from being Labour’s candidate for Gorton and Denton?"
On Wednesday, Starmer accused Goodwin of embracing a divisive political agenda after Goodwin refused to reject his assertion that individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds born in the UK are not necessarily considered British. The Prime Minister warned that Goodwin would likely attempt to create rifts in the Gorton and Denton community, urging voters who want to counter Farage’s influence to unite behind the Labour candidate.
