London mayor Sadiq Khan has joined Labour activists in Gorton and Denton as campaigning continues ahead of the local by-election, describing the contest as a choice between hope and fear.
Mr Khan visited the area on Monday to support Labour’s candidate Angeliki Stogia, taking part in a rally with party members and MPs before canvassing residents. He spoke with voters on their doorsteps about local priorities highlighted by the campaign, including tackling fly tipping, easing cost of living pressures and improving NHS services.
The visit also included a stop at Grounded MCR CIC in Cringle Park, Levenshulme, a community cafe and social enterprise. The organisation provides free food, grows produce on site and supports small businesses while offering training and employment opportunities for local people.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Khan praised the role of community spaces and warned against what he described as divisive politics.
“This café shows the spirit of Gorton & Denton, and Manchester as a whole. It’s a community that looks out for one another, supports each other, and knows how to make a nice flat white!
“We can’t put the strength of unity that is so central to this city and its communities at risk by letting Reform take over here. Their divisive politics don’t belong in Manchester.
“This by-election is a straight forward choice between Labour and Reform, between hope and fear, and unity over hate. It is a choice that matters, not just in Gorton & Denton, but across our whole country.”
Ms Stogia said she was pleased to welcome the London mayor and said the campaign was focused on practical issues affecting residents.
“It was wonderful to welcome London’s Mayor to Manchester and show him why this is the best city in the world.
“I was proud to stand side by side with him in this fight for unity, not division – focusing on tackling the bread and butter issues people are facing locally so they can come together and be proud of our area.
“That is the Manchester I was drawn to, the Manchester I have lived in and loved for over 30 years. And I couldn’t be prouder to be running to represent it.”
For the full list of candidates running in this by-election, click here.
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