Keir Starmer’s party named their candidate after refusing to let Andy Burnham stand in the race
Angeliki Stogia speaks as she is announced as the Labour candidate (Image: Getty Images)
A Labour councillor originally from Greece will fight the seat Andy Burnham was barred from contesting in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
Angeliki Stogia will be the Labour candidate as the party battles to stop the heartland seat being taken by Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin, a political scientist, or the Greens’ Hannah Spencer, a plumber.
Labour’s National Executive committee denied Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham the opportunity to stand in the February 26 by-election, triggered by the resignation of Labour’s Andrew Gwynne.
Labour won the seat with 18,555 votes in the 2024 election, beating Nigel Farage’s Reform UK which came second place on 5,142, ahead of the Greens on 4,810.
Ms Stogia said: “I have devoted my life to working and campaigning for the people of Manchester and Greater Manchester. In the last 12 years alone, I have a campaigned for good homes, better transport, and a greener Manchester. Now I’m standing to be your Member of Parliament to unite our community and stand up to the divisive politics of Reform.
“This is a moment of choice for Gorton and Denton – between a community that stands united or politics that divides neighbour from neighbour. I’m on the side of unity, fairness and hope.”
Labour describes the by-election as a “straight fight between Labour and Reform”. Reform UK candidate Mr Goodwin said Sir Keir Starmer will have to resign as Prime Minister if Reform wins.
He said: ‘The Labour party is more interested in saving itself than speaking up for the people of Gorton and Denton. The Greens are more interested in talking about Gaza than the people of Gorton and Denton. Only Reform UK is actually speaking up for the people of Gorton and Denton. We’ve been absolutely clear: If you vote Reform UK at this historic by-election you will get Keir Starmer out. He will be forced to resign [because] the pressure will be unbearable.”
Ms Stogia is a councillor in the city’s Whalley Range ward. She desscribes her political journey on the local Labour website:
“I am originally from Greece, but chose to make Manchester my home over 30 years ago (and I’m now a naturalised British citizen). I am just one among many attracted to this welcoming, forward thinking city from all over the world. I moved into Whalley Range in 2004, I quickly fell in love with this beautiful, leafy area, it’s friendly and welcoming people, and I have lived here ever since.
“My path into politics began during time working in regeneration, which fired my passion about fairness, equality and sustainability and how we can make sure that the benefits of economic success reach those who need it the most. When the Conservative / Lib Dem coalition government came to power in 2010, I like many others wanted to get more involved in politics to fight against their plans, and in 2011 I put myself forward to become a Manchester City Councillor. Thanks to the support of the Whalley Range voters I won the election and so proudly became the first ever Manchester Councillor of Greek heritage.”
