Labour deputy leader launches by-election campaign

Wednesday, 28 January 2026 16:33

By Adam Clark

Credit: David Murphy / Roch Valley Radio

Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, formerly launched the party’s campaign outside a community hub in Gorton this afternoon.

Bury Council leader Eamonn O’Brien and Whalley Range councillor Angeliki Stogia are the two remaining contenders to succeed MP Andrew Gwynne at the February poll. Both attended the launch, alongside Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig.

Speaking to Roch Valley Radio, Powell said the party was focused on winning the by-election and selecting a strong local representative.

“We’re here to win that by-election. We’ve got two excellent candidates on the shortlist, and local party members will hear from them over the coming days. There will be a big hustings at the weekend, and then we will have one great candidate to be a good local MP, hard-working, diligent and a strong voice for this area, delivering the kind of change people want to see.”

Powell also used the launch to warn voters about the potential impact of supporting other parties.

“The message we are sending today is: if you vote for another party, especially the Greens, you are risking letting Reform in. I know people in this area agree with me that the worst thing that could happen here is that we let Reform win this by-election.”

Andrew Gwynne has not sat in Parliament for around a year and has been unable to carry out his duties, a point Powell said had been raised repeatedly by residents during recent visits.

“I’ve already heard from residents over recent weeks. Andrew Gwynne’s not been in a position to carry out his duties; he’s not been in Parliament for a year, and people miss it. They want an MP, someone who’s going to represent them, speak up for their views in Parliament, and help them with the day-to-day issues they face.”

Listen to our full interview with Lucy Powell below: