FLASH NEWS
Defeat in Manchester by-election puts Starmer at risk of becoming prime minister
2026-02-27 16:59:05 / BOTA
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing immense pressure after the Labour Party suffered a heavy defeat in the Manchester by-election.
This area had been considered a Labour stronghold for decades. Just a year and a half ago, in the general election, Labour had won there with 51% of the vote. But this time, the party came in third place with just 26%, beaten by two populist parties.
The surprise winners were the Greens, led by charismatic new leader Zack Polanski. Their candidate, Hannah Spencer, won 41% of the vote, securing the party's first historic victory in the north of England. The right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, came in second with 29% of the vote.
Why is this loss so severe?
The defeat is seen as a wake-up call for Starmer. There is deep discontent within the Labour Party, and some figures have already attempted to challenge his leadership. The recent scandal involving former minister Peter Mandelson, who was embroiled in controversy over his links to American financier Jeffrey Epstein, has further damaged the government's image.
Although Starmer has stated that he will not resign, many Labour MPs fear that the party is losing support from both the left and the right.
What happened in Gorton and Denton?
The area has a unique demographic makeup. Gorton has a large immigrant population, mainly Muslim and of Asian origin. There, the Greens campaigned very actively for Palestine and against harsh immigration policies.
Denton, on the other hand, has a larger white British and older population. Here, Reform UK managed to gain a lot of support with anti-immigration messages and nationalist rhetoric.
The defeat comes just two months before crucial local elections in the UK and national elections in Scotland and Wales. The upcoming results could decide Starmer's political fate. Although Labour still has a large majority in Parliament, the pressure is mounting. If the losses continue, the prime minister's position could become untenable.
Recent developments indicate that British politics is entering a new phase of uncertainty, with voters turning away from traditional parties and seeking new alternatives.
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