Gorton and Denton constituency by-election

An assignment from Helsingin Sanomat to visit Manchester ahead of the Gorton and Denton by-election.

The Gorton and Denton constituency is currently without representation, following the departure of its most recent MP, Andrew Gwynne, who sat as an Independent until January 2026.

On a rain-soaked day of campaigning, we joined two Labour Party canvassing teams out on the streets of Gorton. Among those knocking on doors was Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, speaking directly with residents despite the downpour.

We also visited the Green Party’s Northern headquarters in Gorton, where volunteers were preparing campaign materials before heading out to canvass voters across the area.

A third visit led to Denton, where Reform UK has recently opened a new local headquarters. There, we met party organisers and spoke with local residents about their voting intentions.

With campaigning intensifying across all parties, the race is widely expected to be tightly fought – with tactical voting likely to prove decisive in determining the final result.