The Business Secretary has warned that local firms in Gorton and Denton could be put at risk if Reform UK wins next week’s by election, as campaigning intensifies across the constituency.
Peter Kyle visited Longsight on Tuesday 17 February alongside Labour’s candidate Angeliki Stogia and local councillors, meeting traders and hospitality businesses along Stockport Road.
The visit began at Cha Cha Chai, a tea shop described by supporters as a community hub. The group then toured a range of independent businesses including clothing retailers and cake makers.
Mr Kyle said the area’s mix of businesses reflected Manchester’s diversity and warned against what he described as divisive politics.
“It was a joy to meet the diverse and thriving business community in Longsight today, and to get a tasty cup of chai! But it struck me that if Reform and its toxic politics take hold here, these job creators, these people that dedicate themselves to serving the residents of Stockport Road and beyond, would be put at risk.
“Whilst Matt Goodwin seeks to drive a wedge between the communities of Gorton and Denton, our candidate Angeliki Stogia is determined to see the diversity that Manchester thrives on protected and celebrated, and she will fight for that every day if she becomes the MP.
“On the day it was announced Robert Jenrick – a man who complained about the lack of ‘white faces’ on our streets - would become Chancellor if Nigel Farage ever got his hands on the keys to Downing Street, the danger of voting Matt Godwin has never been clearer. That's why the people of Gorton and Denton should choose unity over division and vote Angeliki on 26 February.”
Ms Stogia said local businesses had been unfairly characterised by a rival candidate during the campaign.
“It was brilliant to welcome Peter to the bustling hub that is Longsight so he could see how our local businesses are not the ‘money laundering takeaways’ the Green candidate described them as, but places that are central to our community and bring people together.
“This area represents the opposite of what Reform stands for. They are a party who are determined to pit our communities against one another, to turn neighbour on neighbour, to spread division and hate.
“But that’s not the Manchester I know and call home. We won’t accept that here. This is a city of unity and pride, and I will always stand up for the city I love.”
Reform UK and the Green Party have been approached for comment.
The by election in Gorton and Denton will take place on 26 February.
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