Workers Party Withdraws From Gorton and Denton By-Election

The Workers Party of Britain has announced it will not contest the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, calling the move a difficult but necessary decision.

Decision Made in the Interest of Voters

Party leaders said withdrawing was in the best interests of working-class communities. The party had previously considered four possible candidates but decided not to nominate any of them.

In the 2024 general election, the Workers Party gained just over 10% of the vote in the area, finishing fourth behind Labour, Reform UK, and the Greens.

Why the By-Election Was Triggered

The by-election was caused by the resignation of Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down due to health concerns following controversy linked to leaked messages.

Gwynne had previously won the seat with more than half of the total votes, holding a majority of over 13,000.

Strong Criticism of Labour

The Workers Party accused Labour of failing local residents and claimed the government’s policies had made people poorer. The party also criticized spending on the war in Ukraine and opposed plans for digital identity cards.

It said the by-election was an attempt by Labour to replace its leadership image and warned that party leader Sir Keir Starmer should resign if Labour lost the seat.

The decision not to run highlights shifting political strategies as parties prepare for future elections.