The byelection in Gorton and Denton, located in south-east Manchester, has drawn considerable attention due to its unpredictable nature and the apparent competitiveness among three parties. Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green party, has indicated that their party is in a strong position against Reform UK as they aim to challenge the Labour party's substantial 13,000-vote majority. With polls indicating a tightly contested race, Polanski has pointed out that Labour's campaign strategy of discouraging voters from supporting the Greens may backfire, especially if they fail to secure a victory and Reform UK emerges successful.

Polanski's comments highlight a growing concern within the left regarding the fragmentation of votes, which he attributes to Labour's tactical decisions. He argues that Labour's insistence that only they can defeat Reform mirrors previous electoral failures, such as the Caerphilly byelection, where Labour’s message did not resonate with voters. The Green leader warns that a loss in Gorton and Denton could have serious implications for Labour's leadership under Keir Starmer, as it would challenge the viability of Labour's narrative that they are the primary alternative to right-wing parties like Reform UK.

As voters head to the polls, the dynamics of this byelection illustrate a significant moment for all parties involved. Should the Greens outperform expectations, it may not only reshape the political landscape in the area but also signal a potential shift in voter sentiment across the UK, complicating Labour's efforts to reclaim its hold on traditional left-leaning constituencies. The outcome may compel Labour to reconsider its approach toward coalition-building among leftist parties to counteract the growing influence of right-wing alternatives.