Burnham would ‘probably’ have won byelection, says Labour deputy leader

Lucy Powell calls for party to make more use of Greater Manchester mayor after Gorton and Denton defeat

Andy Burnham would have won the Gorton and Denton byelection, Labour’s deputy leader said as she called for the party to make more use of the Greater Manchester mayor.

Labour fell to third in the previously rock-solid seat on Thursday, with the Greens winning a fifth seat in parliament and Reform UK coming second.

The Guardian | 28 Feb 2026 16:42