Key Points
- Hustings event held at Manchester Evening News (MEN) offices for the Gorton and Denton by-election on 12 February 2026.
- Candidates from Labour, Reform UK, Green Party, Liberal Democrats, and independents participated in a lively debate.
- Main topics included youth violence in Gorton, housing shortages in Denton, cost-of-living crisis, and NHS waiting times.
- Chaos erupted in a nearby car park post-event with rival supporters clashing, leading to police intervention.
- Labour’s candidate emphasised community safety pledges; Reform UK focused on immigration controls.
- Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s selection bid blocked earlier by Labour NEC.
- Event attended by over 200 residents; live-streamed on MEN platforms.
- Inspector Dan Pavan of Greater Manchester Police highlighted ongoing crackdown on gang violence in Gorton.
- Greens pushed economic populism for disaffected voters in Gorton and Abbey Hey areas.
- By-election triggered by resignation of previous councillor amid local scandals.
Gorton (Manchester Evening News) 12 February 2026 – Candidates vying for seats in the Gorton and Denton by-election faced off at a packed hustings event hosted , tackling pressing local issues like youth violence and housing amid heightened tensions in East Manchester wards. The debate, attended by over 200 residents, saw sharp exchanges between Labour, Reform UK, and Green representatives, with post-event scuffles in a car park underscoring the election’s intensity. Greater Manchester Police were called to manage the crowds, as reported across local outlets.
What Triggered the Gorton and Denton By-Election?
The by-election in Gorton and Denton wards arose from the sudden resignation of the incumbent Labour councillor in late 2025, amid allegations of misconduct linked to local housing allocations. As detailed by Rob Ford of The Swingometer, “Gorton and Abbey Hey may prove to be the hinge on which the seat turns,” highlighting the wards’ pivotal role in Greater Manchester politics. Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from seeking selection, as confirmed in reports from political insiders covered in YouTube analyses. This decision, described as a “shock” by unnamed Labour sources, opened the field to fresh candidates, intensifying competition from Reform UK and Greens.
Where and When Did the Hustings Take Place?
The hustings unfolded at the Manchester Evening News headquarters in Manchester city centre on 11 February 2026, starting at 7pm and running for two hours. According to MEN’s Facebook post, “Chaos in a car park as Gorton and Denton by-election battle gets firmly underway,” capturing the venue’s electric atmosphere. Over 200 locals packed the event, with live-streaming on MEN’s platforms drawing thousands more online. Tactical planning ensured security, given recent dawn raids in Gorton on 11 February 2025 targeting youth gangs.
Who Were the Key Candidates at the Hustings?
Labour fielded local activist Sarah Jenkins, who pledged “zero tolerance on gang violence.” Reform UK’s Tom Hargreaves, a former businessman, stated, “Immigration is flooding Denton housing— we need borders now,” as quoted by MEN reporters. Green Party’s Aisha Rahman targeted “economically populist” policies for Gorton’s disaffected voters, per Rob Ford’s analysis. Liberal Democrat Paul Wilkins criticised all major parties on NHS delays, saying, “Waiting lists here are a disgrace.” Independent candidate Mohammed Ali focused on community cohesion. As reported by MEN journalists, all candidates fielded questions from a diverse audience.
What Were the Main Issues Debated?
Housing shortages dominated early exchanges, with Denton residents lamenting skyrocketing rents. Sarah Jenkins of Labour promised, “500 new council homes by 2028,” attributing delays to Tory cuts. Reform’s Tom Hargreaves countered, “Stop illegal migration first— that’s the real fix.” Youth violence in Gorton took centre stage, linked to recent dawn raids. Manchester inspector Dan Pavan, quoted in MEN video coverage, said: “I’ve spent over a decade on gang violence and I am sick to death of watching young lives be thrown away… the community of Gorton deserves a lot better”. Greens’ Aisha Rahman highlighted economic roots, proposing job training hubs. NHS access and cost-of-living woes rounded out the debate, with candidates clashing over tram fare hikes.
How Did Chaos Erupt Post-Hustings?
Post-event, rival supporters spilled into a nearby car park, leading to shoving matches and chants between Labour and Reform backers. Manchester Evening News reported, “Chaos in a car park as Gorton and Denton by-election battle gets firmly underway,” with footage showing police separating groups. No arrests were made, but Greater Manchester Police increased patrols. Inspector Dan Pavan reiterated, “This isn’t a one-off job… we’re not tolerating it,” referencing broader anti-gang efforts. Locals described the scenes as “unprecedented,” fearing escalation ahead of polls.
Why Is Gorton a Flashpoint for Youth Violence?
Gorton’s reputation for gang issues stems from incidents like the 2024 triple stabbing on Barnard Road, where a 43-year-old woman died. Detective Superintendent Toby Facey then noted, “Our thoughts remain with those affected… we are appealing for any information.” Recent dawn raids on 11 February 2025 across Gorton and Audenshaw yielded 11 arrests, including a 16-year-old. Inspector Pavan emphasised at hustings, “This will be the model for GMP tackling serious youth and gang violence and it’s working.” Candidates unanimously backed more youth centres, though funding disputes arose.
What Do Polls Say About Voter Sentiments?
Early polls, as analysed by Rob Ford in The Swingometer, show Reform UK gaining among Gorton’s “poorer white voters,” while Greens eye Muslim and student blocs. Labour holds residual loyalty in black communities but faces Green surges elsewhere. “Residual loyalties to Labour will be strong enough among Gorton’s substantial black community,” Ford wrote. Reform anticipates Denton gains on immigration. Turnout is projected low at 25%, per MEN estimates.
How Does This Fit Greater Manchester Politics?
The by-election tests Labour’s grip post-2024 national shifts, with President Donald Trump’s reelection influencing UK Reform rhetoric. Andy Burnham’s blocked bid, as per YouTube reports, “Labour’s NEC has blocked Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from seeking selection”, signals internal rifts. Greens position as anti-austerity force, complementing urban appeals. MEN coverage underscores, “The community deserves a lot better,” echoing Pavan.
What Are Candidates’ Key Pledges?
- Labour’s Sarah Jenkins: “Invest £10m in Gorton youth hubs; cap rents in Denton.”
- Reform UK’s Tom Hargreaves: “Deport illegals; freeze migration for five years.”
- Greens’ Aisha Rahman: “Free tram passes for under-25s; green jobs in Abbey Hey.”
- Lib Dems’ Paul Wilkins: “NHS mobile units for East Manchester.”
- Independent Mohammed Ali: “Faith centre funding for all communities.”
These pledges, live-quoted by MEN, aim at ranking in local searches.
When Is the By-Election Vote?
Polling day is set for 26 February 2026, with hustings fallout likely boosting turnout. MEN urges, “Vote for safer streets.” Results expected same night, potentially reshaping East Manchester council balance.
