Labour must stop channelling Reform and unite with progressives. That's the lesson from Gorton and Denton | Sadiq Khan

"A political strategy of taking liberal, progressive voters for granted is clearly flawed. The national Labour party and government doesn't just need to reflect on this result, but fundamentally rethink its approach. Many people who voted Labour in July 2024 are now angry and frustrated. They are impatient to see the change promised at the last general election, including better public services and a growing economy, and they want a Labour government that shares their values."

"People need to know what this Labour government really stands for and be able to believe that it still holds true to the core beliefs the party was established to promote—equality, fairness, social justice and internationalism—while governing with economic competence and pragmatism."

"But this good work has too often been overshadowed by missteps and political positioning appearing to trump all other considerations on critical issues such as Brexit, migration and Gaza. The vast majority of those who are thinking of voting Green are not extreme. Many share our values and hopes for the country but are disappointed with the government."

Labour's poor performance in the Gorton and Denton byelection signals a significant political shift requiring fundamental strategic rethinking. Voters who supported Labour in July 2024 are frustrated by slow progress on promised improvements to public services and economic growth. The government must clearly communicate its commitment to core Labour values—equality, fairness, social justice, and internationalism—while maintaining economic competence. Although the government has achieved notable successes including reduced NHS waiting times, expanded childcare, improved workers' rights, and positive economic developments, these accomplishments have been overshadowed by controversial political positioning on Brexit, migration, and Gaza. Many potential Green voters share Labour's values but feel disappointed by the government's approach, indicating a need for renewed focus on authentic representation of party principles.

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