"The by-election to replace former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne is likely to take place at the end of February, after the process to hold the poll was begun. On Monday, government chief whip Jonathan Reynolds asked for the writ for the Gorton and Denton constituency to be issued in Parliament. The by-election has to take place between 21 and 27 working days from the issuing of the writ, so the poll is likely to fall on Thursday 26 February."
"Sir Keir Starmer has opted for the fastest possible by-election timetable in the seat, amid anxiety in the Labour Party about the bitter fallout from a potential defeat. The Greater Manchester constituency has been represented continuously by Labour for more than 90 years but sources from different wings of the party fear that the by-election could be won by either Reform UK or the Greens. The rapid timetable is designed to constrict the amount of time the two parties have to build a campaigning infrastructure."
Parliamentary steps have begun for a by-election to replace Andrew Gwynne, with the writ requested by government chief whip Jonathan Reynolds. The by-election must be held 21–27 working days after the writ, making 26 February the likely date. Sir Keir Starmer chose the fastest possible timetable amid Labour anxiety about a potential defeat. Gorton and Denton is a Greater Manchester seat held by Labour for more than 90 years, but party sources fear Reform UK or the Greens could win. The rapid timetable aims to limit opponents' time to build campaigning infrastructure. MPs warn a loss could trigger destabilising leadership speculation tied to Starmer's role in excluding Andy Burnham and would raise stakes ahead of May elections.
Read at www.bbc.com
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