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Wheel of Gorton (and Denton)

Pick a topic. Spin the wheel. This is a link-first microsite for the Gorton & Denton by‑election: skim what was said, then check the original sources.

  • Interactive wheel — pick a topic, click a candidate, and jump to the relevant source cards.
  • Candidate profiles — links you can use, plus a short verified background.
  • Flyer scans — browse the campaign material (no tracking, no nonsense).
  • Method & Sources — grouped cards with topic filters, deep‑links, and optional tags.

This page doesn’t track your choices. It runs only in your browser.

Candidate contacts 11 candidates
Angeliki Stogia

Angeliki Stogia

Labour
WhoCanIVoteForCampaign siteInstagramFacebookXLinktreeBlueskyLinkedInArupOpen CouncilGuardianGuardianIndependentAbout ManchesterCouncil profileCouncil profileManchester Labour profile
Verified background
Manchester City Councillor for Whalley Range since ~2012 (moved to area 2004); naturalised British citizen originally from Greece; Associate at Arup (Head of Stakeholder Engagement on Transpennine Route Upgrade); Deputy Portfolio Lead for Community/Voluntary/Co-operatives at Greater Manchester Combined Authority; Vice Chair of Greater Manchester Co-operative Party (2019); won 2021 “Environment and Sustainability Pioneer” award. Sources: Whalley Range Labour site (2016–2026 updates), Arup profile, GMCA profile, Co-operative News (2019), BBC/ITV candidate lists (Jan–Feb 2026).
More…
  • Manchester City Councillor for Whalley Range since ~2012 (moved to area 2004); naturalised British citizen originally from Greece; Associate at Arup (Head of Stakeholder Engagement on Transpennine Route Upgrade); Deputy Portfolio Lead for Community/Voluntary/Co-operatives at Greater Manchester Combined Authority; Vice Chair of Greater Manchester Co-operative Party (2019); won 2021 “Environment and Sustainability Pioneer” award.
    Sources: Whalley Range Labour site (2016–2026 updates), Arup profile, GMCA profile, Co-operative News (2019), BBC/ITV candidate lists (Jan–Feb 2026).
Matt Goodwin

Matt Goodwin

Reform UK
WhoCanIVoteForXWebsiteNewsletter postFacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeGB News presenter profileReform UK constituency pageWikipediaPenguinUni of KentScholar
Verified background
GB News presenter and former academic (University of Buckingham); lived/worked delivering fast food in Gorton & Denton area while at university; nomination address in Hitchin constituency; Tommy Robinson publicly endorsed him (Reform distanced); has written/said on Britishness, fertility policy, and “open borders”. Sources: BBC (27 Jan 2026 announcement), Guardian (multiple Jan–Feb 2026), Reform press releases, nomination PDF (Manchester City Council).
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  • GB News presenter and former academic (University of Buckingham); lived/worked delivering fast food in Gorton & Denton area while at university; nomination address in Hitchin constituency; Tommy Robinson publicly endorsed him (Reform distanced); has written/said on Britishness, fertility policy, and “open borders”.
    Sources: BBC (27 Jan 2026 announcement), Guardian (multiple Jan–Feb 2026), Reform press releases, nomination PDF (Manchester City Council).
Hannah Spencer

Hannah Spencer

Green
WhoCanIVoteForCampaign siteInstagramXX mirrorBlueskyLinkedInGreen Party national socialsManchester GreensGreens listingBusiness websiteDirectoryAbout ManchesterAltrincham TodayYahooCouncil profileTrafford Green Party people page
Verified background
Lifelong Greater Manchester resident (previously lived in Gorton); left school at 16; practising plumber since 2015 (founded Hannah’s Household Plumbing Jan 2015; later worked for other firms as plumber + heat-pump specialist); Trafford Councillor for Hale since May 2023; Green group leader on Trafford Council (announced May 2025); Green candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor 2024 (45,905 votes). Multiple sources confirm plumber status: MEN profiles (2015 business launch + 2026 “remarkable rise” feature), Green Party press release (30 Jan 2026), BBC (30 Jan 2026), Yahoo/MEN fact-check (10 Feb 2026). Reviews note: No public Google/Trustpilot/Facebook business reviews surfaced in wide searches (small/local…
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  • Lifelong Greater Manchester resident (previously lived in Gorton); left school at 16; practising plumber since 2015 (founded Hannah’s Household Plumbing Jan 2015; later worked for other firms as plumber + heat-pump specialist); Trafford Councillor for Hale since May 2023; Green group leader on Trafford Council (announced May 2025); Green candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor 2024 (45,905 votes).
    Multiple sources confirm plumber status: MEN profiles (2015 business launch + 2026 “remarkable rise” feature), Green Party press release (30 Jan 2026), BBC (30 Jan 2026), Yahoo/MEN fact-check (10 Feb 2026).
    Reviews note: No public Google/Trustpilot/Facebook business reviews surfaced in wide searches (small/local operation; heat-pump work often via larger firms). Her plumber identity is corroborated across 10+ independent articles with photos from 2015–2026; no contradictions or negative reports found.
Nick Buckley MBE

Nick Buckley MBE

Advance UK
WhoCanIVoteForCampaign websiteXFacebookInstagramYouTubeEmailAdvance UK candidate pageMancunian Way charity websiteKeystone LawAbout ManchesterPodcastMancunian Way “About”PetitionCharity Commission register entry
Verified background
Born/raised in Manchester area (Longsight/Gorton etc.); founded charity Mancunian Way (2011); dismissed then reinstated after BLM LinkedIn post (2020); MBE New Year Honours 2020; stood as Independent GM Mayor 2024 (50k votes), Reform UK GM Mayor 2021 (18k votes). Sources: Keystone Law (2020 reinstatement), GOV.UK Honours list (2020), GM Elects results (2021/2024), BBC (4 Feb 2026).
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  • Born/raised in Manchester area (Longsight/Gorton etc.); founded charity Mancunian Way (2011); dismissed then reinstated after BLM LinkedIn post (2020); MBE New Year Honours 2020; stood as Independent GM Mayor 2024 (50k votes), Reform UK GM Mayor 2021 (18k votes).
    Sources: Keystone Law (2020 reinstatement), GOV.UK Honours list (2020), GM Elects results (2021/2024), BBC (4 Feb 2026).
Charlotte Anne Cadden

Charlotte Anne Cadden

Conservative
WhoCanIVoteForAppears to keep a low personal profile; main public presence is via party/media coverageManchester Conservatives candidate pageIndependentLSEITVXFacebookLinkedInSex Matters trustee bioPolice SEEN UK
Verified background
Retired Detective Chief Inspector after 30 years police (Greater Manchester Police + Metropolitan Police Service); trustee of Sex Matters; set up “Police SEEN UK” network (2023); member Women’s Rights Network (Greater Manchester) and LGB Alliance Business Forum; nomination address in Bolton North East. Sources: BBC (1 Feb 2026), Sex Matters bio, Conservatives FB announcement (1 Feb 2026), Manchester Conservatives site.
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  • Retired Detective Chief Inspector after 30 years police (Greater Manchester Police + Metropolitan Police Service); trustee of Sex Matters; set up “Police SEEN UK” network (2023); member Women’s Rights Network (Greater Manchester) and LGB Alliance Business Forum; nomination address in Bolton North East.
    Sources: BBC (1 Feb 2026), Sex Matters bio, Conservatives FB announcement (1 Feb 2026), Manchester Conservatives site.
Dan Clarke

Dan Clarke

Libertarian
XWhoCanIVoteForFacebookLibertarian Party UK team pageLocal coverageYahooNW Bylines
Verified background
Libertarian Party UK candidate; nomination address Runcorn; focuses on lowering taxes, reducing state size, civil liberties; statement emphasises “balance, accountability and less state interference”. Sources: WhoCanIVoteFor, Tameside Correspondent (5 Feb 2026), nomination PDF.
More…
  • Libertarian Party UK candidate; nomination address Runcorn; focuses on lowering taxes, reducing state size, civil liberties; statement emphasises “balance, accountability and less state interference”.
    Sources: WhoCanIVoteFor, Tameside Correspondent (5 Feb 2026), nomination PDF.
Sebastian Moore

Sebastian Moore

SDP
WhoCanIVoteForInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookSDP people profileSDP candidate announcementUK ParliamentTameside CorrespondentRoch Valley RadioNW Bylines
Verified background
SDP North West Chair; returned to UK 2022 after years working abroad, now Manchester resident; stood SDP Manchester Central 2024 (240 votes); works in education, volunteers at Burnage food bank. Sources: BBC (30 Jan 2026), SDP announcements, Instagram bio.
More…
  • SDP North West Chair; returned to UK 2022 after years working abroad, now Manchester resident; stood SDP Manchester Central 2024 (240 votes); works in education, volunteers at Burnage food bank.
    Sources: BBC (30 Jan 2026), SDP announcements, Instagram bio.
Joseph O’Meachair

Joseph O’Meachair

Rejoin EU
WhoCanIVoteForBBCFacebookInstagramRejoin EU Party announcementRejoin EU Party websiteLocal profile/coverageUK ParliamentITVNW Bylines
Verified background
Rejoin EU Party executive committee member; stood Rejoin EU in Preston 2024 (216 votes); nomination address in Preston district; focuses on pro-EU alternative and international standards. Sources: BBC (31 Jan 2026), MEN (2 Feb 2026), party Instagram/Facebook (Jan–Feb 2026).
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  • Rejoin EU Party executive committee member; stood Rejoin EU in Preston 2024 (216 votes); nomination address in Preston district; focuses on pro-EU alternative and international standards.
    Sources: BBC (31 Jan 2026), MEN (2 Feb 2026), party Instagram/Facebook (Jan–Feb 2026).
Jackie Pearcey

Jackie Pearcey

Liberal Democrats
WebsiteXFacebookFacebookOasis Academy AspinalNorth West Lib DemsNorth West Lib DemsNW BylinesLib Dems press release + campaign mentionsWhoCanIVoteForManchester Liberal Democrats article
Verified background
Lived in Gorton since the 1980s/1990s; Manchester City Councillor for Gorton North 1991–2012; school governor at Oasis Academy Aspinal (Gorton) for 20+ years; doctorate in nuclear physics; long-term local campaigner (saved Gorton Monastery, Gorton Market redevelopment). Sources: BBC (30 Jan 2026), Lib Dems press release (30 Jan 2026), WhoCanIVoteFor, MEN clips (Feb 2026).
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  • Lived in Gorton since the 1980s/1990s; Manchester City Councillor for Gorton North 1991–2012; school governor at Oasis Academy Aspinal (Gorton) for 20+ years; doctorate in nuclear physics; long-term local campaigner (saved Gorton Monastery, Gorton Market redevelopment).
    Sources: BBC (30 Jan 2026), Lib Dems press release (30 Jan 2026), WhoCanIVoteFor, MEN clips (Feb 2026).
Sir Oink A‑Lot

Sir Oink A‑Lot

Loony Party
XFacebookParty election addressLoony Party profile pageWhoCanIVoteForLoony Party write-upRodent in Rochdale
Verified background
Satirical Loony Party staple; previous runs include 57 votes Northenden (Manchester 2023), 141 votes Oldham West & Royton by-election (2015); “Think Big, Vote Pig” slogan for this contest. Sources: WhoCanIVoteFor, Loony Party site (2026 address), BBC/MEN (4 Feb 2026), Manchester City Council results (2023).
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  • Satirical Loony Party staple; previous runs include 57 votes Northenden (Manchester 2023), 141 votes Oldham West & Royton by-election (2015); “Think Big, Vote Pig” slogan for this contest.
    Sources: WhoCanIVoteFor, Loony Party site (2026 address), BBC/MEN (4 Feb 2026), Manchester City Council results (2023).
Hugo Wils

Hugo Wils

Communist League
WhoCanIVoteForElectoral CommissionWikipediaNW BylinesNot Really Here Media candidate interviewMilitantBBCNo personal accounts found; featured in Tameside Reporter/party coverageWrites for The MilitantThe Militant author page
Verified background
38-year-old aerospace factory worker and Unite the Union member; writes/promotes The Militant newspaper; launched campaign on Birmingham refuse workers’ picket line; focuses on “working-class battles” and public works. Sources: BBC (3 Feb 2026), Tameside Reporter (13 Feb 2026), The Militant (6 Feb 2026), WhoCanIVoteFor.
More…
  • 38-year-old aerospace factory worker and Unite the Union member; writes/promotes The Militant newspaper; launched campaign on Birmingham refuse workers’ picket line; focuses on “working-class battles” and public works.
    Sources: BBC (3 Feb 2026), Tameside Reporter (13 Feb 2026), The Militant (6 Feb 2026), WhoCanIVoteFor.

Flyer scans

Click a thumbnail to open the full scan in a new tab. We also received an additional Green flyer, but it included local residents’ photos and personal details, so we didn’t want to republish it online.

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Signal vs Noise

Campaigns are designed to persuade. Parties are not neutral narrators of what their opponents said or did, and commercial media/analysis often optimises for attention and incentives rather than “fair comparison”.

Media coverage can drift towards the easiest/clickiest story: the outrage, the horse‑race (“who’s going to win?”), sometimes framed like betting odds, plus a handful of mini scandals — instead of the slower work of explaining what problems constituents actually face, what candidates have done, and what interests they serve.

For many people, the real question isn’t “who will win?”, but: why should I vote for any of them? When politics looks like drama and results are buried behind waffle and name-calling, disengagement and low turnout become predictable outcomes.

Sources

Grouped cards so you can skim what’s been said, and check the original material.

Issue Angeliki StogiaHannah SpencerMatt Goodwin
Culture war / cohesion7412
Jobs / pay / rights153
Homes / rents / streets051
Health / care / harm230
Transport / air / infrastructure320
Context / background1678
Total 292624

Most of these sources are gathered by AI, reviewed, and open for editing. See Statements.md or edit it on GitHub.

Angeliki Stogia
Health / care / harm 🧾 documented

Angeliki Stogia pledged to fight to improve local GP provision and ensure the area gets a “fair share” of government investment; she is also campaigning against fly-tipping with more investment in alley gates and for breakfast clubs in every school.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“This is about shouting from the sidelines and divisive politics or it’s about unity and keeping our city united.” Angeliki Stogia said this when contrasting Labour’s approach with Reform’s in the final week of campaigning.

mirror.co.uk
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“Dividing communities on the doorstep here in Manchester is not going to change things in Gaza.” Angeliki Stogia said this while responding to criticism of Labour’s record on Gaza at a farmers’ market stall.

mirror.co.uk
Health / care / harm 🧾 documented

Angeliki Stogia is campaigning for breakfast clubs in every school across the constituency, more investment in alley gates to tackle fly-tipping, and a “fair share” of government investment to improve local GP provision.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Transport / air / infrastructure 🧾 documented

Angeliki Stogia is an Associate at Arup and Head of Stakeholder Engagement & External Affairs on the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

arup.com
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“I am originally from Greece, but chose to make Manchester my home over thirty years ago (and I’m now a naturalised British citizen).” Angeliki Stogia wrote this on her local Labour profile page.

whalleyrangelabour.org.uk
Context / background 🧾 documented

Angeliki Stogia is Deputy Portfolio Lead for “Community, Voluntary and Co-operatives” at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk
Context / background 🎤 said

“I have had the privilege to serve our vibrant and diverse community since 2012.” Angeliki Stogia wrote this on her local Labour profile page.

whalleyrangelabour.org.uk
Jobs / pay / rights 🎤 said

“From 1 April the minimum wage will increase, which will benefit thousands of workers across Greater Manchester, and free breakfast clubs for children mean working families will be up to £450 better off.” Angeliki Stogia said this during the BBC hustings debate on the economy.

bbc.com
Context / background 🎤 said

“Division is easy — bringing people together is hard.” Angeliki Stogia said this while reflecting on her journey from Greece to Manchester and defending Labour’s record in government.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Transport / air / infrastructure 🎤 said

“champion and deliver actions on the ground” Angeliki Stogia said this at the Levenshulme hustings, referencing her work with Andy Burnham on the Bee Network.

Not Really Here
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“Matthew, how can you be sat here with a couple of security guys following you around? When I, just this morning, was with a group of interfaith women representing our community, who told me that our women in this constituency, they’re scared to leave their house because of the rhetoric that you have been peddling.” Angeliki Stogia said this to Matt Goodwin at the Manchester Evening News hustings.

Guardian
Context / background 🧾 documented

Angeliki Stogia is nominated as the Labour Party candidate.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

Stogia’s nomination notice lists her home address area as the Manchester Rusholme constituency.

Manchester City Council
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“Manchester is a city united; we are rejecting division.” Angeliki Stogia said this when launching her campaign.

Not Really Here
Context / background 🧩 aligned

Andy Burnham publicly backed Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia after being blocked.

news.sky.com
Andy Burnham
Context / background 🎤 said

“I will be there for you whenever you need me.” Andy Burnham wrote this in an X post congratulating Stogia.

Guardianv2radio.co.uk
Context / background 🧾 documented

Stogia’s selection event was flanked by Labour chairwoman Anna Turley and deputy leader Lucy Powell.

BBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

Angeliki Stogia stood for Labour in Chester South and Eddisbury at the 2024 general election and lost.

BBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

Angeliki Stogia is a Manchester City Councillor for Whalley Range.

itv.com
Andy Burnham
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“fight the politics of Reform” and “defend Greater Manchester from being picked apart” Andy Burnham said this in a BBC Radio Manchester interview.

BBCBBC
Lucy Powell
Context / background 🎤 said

“one team” Lucy Powell said Labour members should be “one team” ahead of the Gorton & Denton by-election.

itv.comBBC
Lucy Powell
Context / background 🎤 said

“We will make sure you have a strong local candidate supported by me, supported by Andy Burnham, supported by Keir Starmer and we will be one Labour team in making sure your area gets changed for the better.” Lucy Powell said the Labour candidate would be supported by Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer.

GuardianBBC
Keir Starmer
Context / background 🎤 said

“divert our resources” Keir Starmer said allowing Burnham to run would “divert our resources”.

labourlist.orgitv.com
Nadia Whittome
Context / background 🎤 said

“gifting the seat to Reform” Nadia Whittome said blocking Burnham risked “gifting the seat to Reform”.

BBC
Transport / air / infrastructure 🧾 documented

Angeliki Stogia won the “Environment and Sustainability Pioneer” award at the 2021 Councillor Awards.

whalleyrangelabour.org.uk
Context / background 🧾 documented

Angeliki Stogia was Vice Chair of Greater Manchester Co-operative Party (in 2019).

thenews.coop
Hannah Spencer
Jobs / pay / rights 🎤 said

“The system is designed to keep people like me out… Why should I not be here?” Hannah Spencer said this while discussing her journey as a plumber and councillor entering national politics.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“I’m really proud to stick up for my Muslim neighbours, who are as British as I am… I think he’s tarring people with the same brush. He’s deliberately going after a group of people in our community — Muslims — and painting them all in a certain way.” Hannah Spencer said this about Matt Goodwin’s comments on Muslim communities.

manchestereveningnews.co.ukinstagram.com
Homes / rents / streets 🎤 said

“Our streets are full of litter, fly tipping, all these things that could be fixed that just the council have just completely lost control of… We’ve got Labour councillors, Labour MP, Labour mayor, and it’s just not working.” Hannah Spencer said this while criticising local services under Labour.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Health / care / harm 🎤 said

“If you manage to get a GP appointment, then you’ve got to pay for your prescription, which a lot of people just can’t do… Free prescriptions, free dentistry, free eye care, free hearing aids — everything that you need to be happy and healthy should be free.” Hannah Spencer said this on NHS and cost-of-living priorities.

manchestereveningnews.co.ukmanchestereveningnews.co.uk
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“I think he's tarring people with the same brush. He's deliberately going after a group of people in our community — Muslims — and painting them all in a certain way… But it's just used to say that Muslims are all bad people.” Hannah Spencer said this about Matt Goodwin’s comments on Muslim communities and the Manchester Arena bombing.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Homes / rents / streets 🎤 said

“Our streets are full of litter, fly tipping, all these things that could be fixed that just the council have just completely lost control of… We've got Labour councillors, Labour MP, Labour mayor, and it’s just not working.” Hannah Spencer said this while criticising local services.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Health / care / harm 🎤 said

“Free prescriptions, free dentistry, free eye care, free hearing aids — everything that you need to be happy and healthy should be free, and can be free as well.” Hannah Spencer said this on expanding NHS access.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Jobs / pay / rights 🎤 said

“We've had a good go at privatisation, and it just hasn't worked. We should not be paying shareholders billions when people can't afford to put their heating on.” Hannah Spencer said this while calling for public ownership of utilities.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Context / background 🎤 said

“I've navigated my way through a political system that is challenging and I think it's deliberately designed to keep people like me out… Why should I not be here?” Hannah Spencer said this while discussing her journey from plumber to parliamentary candidate.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“an academic, bussed in from the south, spreading that party’s message of division” Hannah Spencer said this about Matt Goodwin at the Manchester Evening News hustings.

Guardian
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“You spent so long Matt, I think, researching far-right extremism that you did get a little bit confused and thought what you were reading was an instruction manual.” Hannah Spencer said this to Matt Goodwin at the Manchester Evening News hustings.

Guardian
Homes / rents / streets 🎤 said

“money-laundering takeaways” Hannah Spencer described Levenshulme as being full of “money-laundering takeaways” in a 2021 Mumsnet post.

independent.co.uk
Jobs / pay / rights 🧾 documented

Hannah Spencer is a Trafford councillor and leader of the Green group on Trafford Council.

Yahoo News
Health / care / harm 🎤 said

“I see in my job all the time the way that people are living and struggling. I'll go to do a gas check on a boiler, and that boiler's not been turned on since the person went there a year to do another gas check, because people just cannot afford to have the heating on. That's people across all ages and all incomes, but it really affects vulnerable people in our communities. And it affects older people, who are people who've paid into the system all their life and then just freezing in their own homes.” Hannah Spencer said this at a campaign event.

Yahoo News
Context / background 🧾 documented

Hannah Spencer is nominated as the Green Party candidate.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

Spencer’s nomination notice lists her home address area as the district of Trafford.

Manchester City Council
Zack Polanski
Jobs / pay / rights 🎤 said

“The Houses of Parliament. Leaky roofs, crumbling walls. I think they need a plumber and a plasterer and we've got someone who can do both.” Zack Polanski said this about Hannah Spencer.

BBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

Hannah Spencer was the Greens’ 2024 Greater Manchester mayoral candidate.

Guardian
Context / background 🧾 documented

Trafford Greens announced Spencer as their Trafford council group leader in May 2025.

trafford.greenparty.org.uk
Context / background 🧾 documented

In the 2024 Greater Manchester mayor election, Hannah Spencer (Green) received 45,905 votes.

gmelects.org.uk
Transport / air / infrastructure 🧾 documented

Hannah Spencer is a plumber and works on retro-fitting houses to become more energy efficient.

BBC
Homes / rents / streets 🎤 said

“ending for many the inhumane 'choice' between heating and eating” Hannah Spencer proposed a mass home insulation scheme “ending for many the inhumane 'choice' between heating and eating”.

BBC
Transport / air / infrastructure 🧾 documented

Hannah Spencer wanted London-style control over local and suburban rail services and promised to draw up plans for underground links.

BBC
Homes / rents / streets 🧾 documented

Hannah Spencer would reinstate the Serious Sexual Offences Unit and put in place an independent commissioner.

BBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

Hannah Spencer was elected as a Hale councillor in May 2023.

trafford.greenparty.org.uk
Matt Goodwin
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“If you come to Britain and you decide to blow up our children, you are rejecting membership of our community… If you’re here illegally, you will be deported.” Matt Goodwin said this when discussing immigration and integration in the constituency.

Guardian
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“Personally, I think we should do what America did after the 1920s and Ellis Island… pause migration with the exception of a very small amount that is essential for some public services. And then we need to bring back a very limited amount of migration, something comparable to what we had in the 1980s, 1990s, before Tony Blair.” Matt Goodwin said this when outlining his immigration policy.

Guardian
Jobs / pay / rights 🧾 documented

Matt Goodwin is campaigning to slash energy bills, taxes and regulations for small businesses, plus more police on the streets and expanded stop-and-search powers.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“Reform UK are the unity campaign” Matt Goodwin described Reform UK as the “unity campaign” in Gorton & Denton.

telegraph.co.uk
Jobs / pay / rights 🎤 said

“[Reform] will place public sector trade unions under review.” Matt Goodwin said this at a Brussels event.

Financial Times
Culture war / cohesion 🧾 documented

The “I hated it… locals are all chavs” quote was not in the underlying newspaper interview and appears to be a falsified edit.

malaysia.news.yahoo.com
Jobs / pay / rights 🎤 said

“Lots of people don’t feel they have been part of the Manchester boom. We would lower taxes for small businesses to promote jobs and growth.” Matt Goodwin said this during the BBC hustings debate on the economy.

bbc.com
Homes / rents / streets 🎤 said

“You cannot have open borders with affordable and available housing. A lot of housing is going to migrants who have broken the law.” Matt Goodwin said this during the BBC hustings debate on housing.

bbc.com
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“false information spread by the media” Matt Goodwin said this at the Levenshulme hustings in response to Hannah Spencer’s challenge over a blog post.

Not Really HereGuardian
Culture war / cohesion 🧾 documented

Matt Goodwin previously suggested taxing people without children and removing income tax for women with 2+ children.

Guardian
Labour spokesperson
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“Because it's full of the same old failed Tories that did it all before. You simply can't trust them.” A Labour spokesperson said this about Reform.

BBC
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“I’m not going to be lectured to by a Labour politician from a party that consistently failed to investigate the mass rape and sexual abuse of working-class kids in this country for 30 years. And the reason I have security is because I have very real threats to my life in an area where people assure me everything is fine, and clearly in some parts of this country integration is not working as it should be.” Matt Goodwin said this at the Manchester Evening News hustings.

Guardian
Context / background 🧾 documented

Matt Goodwin refused to take part in a Local Voices hustings, citing “impartiality” concerns.

Guardian
Nigel Farage
Context / background 🎤 said

“By-elections are a chance to make a statement.” Nigel Farage said this at a Denton campaign launch.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Context / background 🧾 documented

Matt Goodwin is nominated as the Reform UK candidate.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

Goodwin’s nomination notice lists his home address area as the Hitchin constituency.

Manchester City Council
Culture war / cohesion 🧾 documented

Tommy Robinson publicly endorsed Matt Goodwin; Reform said Robinson is not welcome in the party.

Guardian
Keir Starmer
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“the politics of division, of toxic division, of tearing people apart,” Keir Starmer said this while criticising Reform’s politics in Gorton & Denton.

BBC
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“It takes more than a piece of paper to make somebody ‘British’.” Matt Goodwin said this.

Guardian
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“I saw essentially many people around me, 90% of people in universities decide that half of the country were racists and ignorant thickos… because they happened to vote for something that the elite class didn't believe in,” Matt Goodwin said this on Political Thinking with Nick Robinson.

BBC
Context / background 🎤 said

“a referendum on Keir Starmer” Matt Goodwin said the by-election was “a referendum on Keir Starmer”.

BBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

Reform stated that Goodwin “worked… delivering fast food in the Gorton and Denton area” while at university.

Guardian
Context / background 🧾 documented

Matt Goodwin is a GB News presenter and former academic.

Guardian
Context / background 🎤 said

“not part of the establishment” or the “Westminster blob” Matt Goodwin said this at a press conference.

BBC
Sir Oink A‑Lot
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“Stop Trump’s takeover of Iceland’s packing factory in Gorton.” Sir Oink A‑Lot included this line in his election address.

loonyparty.com
Jobs / pay / rights 🎤 said

“Bring back the pig iron industry.” Sir Oink A‑Lot included this line in his election address.

loonyparty.com
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“Remove the get out of jail free peerage card.” Sir Oink A‑Lot included this line in his election address.

loonyparty.com
Context / background 🧾 documented

Sir Oink A‑Lot is nominated as the Official Monster Raving Loony Party candidate.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

Sir Oink A‑Lot’s nomination notice lists his home address area as the Wythenshawe and Sale East constituency.

Manchester City Council
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“every non-voter is a loony voter” Sir Oink A‑Lot said this in a 2023 interview.

mancunianmatters.co.uk
Context / background 🧾 documented

In the 2023 Manchester local election (Northenden), Sir Oink A‑Lot received 57 votes.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

In the 2015 Oldham West & Royton by-election, Sir Oink A‑Lot received 141 votes.

members.parliament.uk
Nick Buckley MBE
Homes / rents / streets 🧾 documented

“Safer streets” is one of Nick Buckley’s “5 Key Promises”.

nickbuckley4parliament.co.uk
Context / background 🎤 said

“I have spent two decades fixing social problems in Gorton, Denton, Longsight, Levenshulme and Burnage. I know the area like the back of my hand – I was born and raised there!” Nick Buckley wrote this on his campaign site.

nickbuckley4parliament.co.uk
Culture war / cohesion 🧾 documented

Nick Buckley reposted a claim alleging Reform candidate Matt Goodwin said he “hated” living in Manchester.

malaysia.news.yahoo.com
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“we should have one community the English, the British community where we live together in harmony” Nick Buckley said this during his introduction at the Levenshulme hustings.

Not Really Here
Homes / rents / streets 🧾 documented

Nick Buckley said he wants to clamp down on knife crime and anti-social behaviour.

BBC
Context / background 🎤 said

“We are a brand new party and hoping to make a difference in the country and in Gorton and Denton.” Nick Buckley said this when Advance UK announced him as its candidate.

BBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

Nick Buckley MBE is nominated as the Advance UK candidate.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

Buckley’s nomination notice lists his home address area as the district of Manchester.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

In the 2024 Greater Manchester mayor election, Nick Buckley (Independent) received 50,304 votes.

gmelects.org.uk
Homes / rents / streets 🎤 said

“hammer criminals, increase stop-and-search, and reclaim the streets” Nick Buckley said police need to “hammer criminals, increase stop-and-search, and reclaim the streets”.

BBC
Transport / air / infrastructure 🧾 documented

Nick Buckley opposed plans for a Clear Air Zone, congestion charges, “15 minute cities”, and pay-per-mile schemes.

BBC
Context / background 🎤 said

“puppet masters” Nick Buckley said he was standing as an independent because he did not want any “puppet masters”.

BBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

In the 2021 Greater Manchester mayor election, Nick Buckley (Reform UK) received 18,910 votes.

bolton.gov.uk
Culture war / cohesion 🧾 documented

Nick Buckley was dismissed from Mancunian Way after a LinkedIn post on the Black Lives Matter manifesto, then reinstated.

keystonelaw.com
Context / background 🧾 documented

Nick Buckley founded the charity Mancunian Way in 2011.

keystonelaw.com
Context / background 🧾 documented

“Nicholas Brendan BUCKLEY” was appointed MBE in the New Year Honours List 2020.

gov.ukgov.uk
Charlotte Anne Cadden
Homes / rents / streets 🧾 documented

Charlotte Cadden is campaigning for a local enquiry into grooming gangs, a new high school in Denton, dealing with “kids on bikes”, and a regular train service from Denton station to cut M60 traffic.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Culture war / cohesion 🧾 documented

Charlotte Cadden set up the “Police SEEN UK” network in 2023.

Sex Matters
Culture war / cohesion 🧾 documented

Charlotte Cadden is part of the Women’s Rights Network (Greater Manchester) and the LGB Alliance Business Forum.

Sex Matters
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“standing up when things are wrong” is what makes her a good Mancunian. Charlotte Cadden said this in a BBC Manchester clip.

facebook.com
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“Illegal immigration is a big issue on the doorsteps. Older people are frightened to go out and mothers fear for their daughters’ safety from illegal immigrants loitering on the street.” Charlotte Cadden said this during the BBC hustings debate on immigration.

bbc.com
Transport / air / infrastructure 🧾 documented

Charlotte Cadden backed scrapping carbon taxes and supporting petrol and diesel vehicles beyond 2030.

Not Really Here
Transport / air / infrastructure 🎤 said

“not anti-car” Charlotte Cadden said she was “not anti-car” at the Levenshulme hustings.

Not Really Here
Context / background 🧾 documented

Charlotte Anne Cadden is nominated as the Conservative candidate.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

Cadden’s nomination notice lists her home address area as the Bolton North East constituency.

Manchester City Council
Culture war / cohesion 🧾 documented

Charlotte Cadden was a police officer for 30 years and retired as a Detective Chief Inspector in the Metropolitan Police Service; she is a trustee of Sex Matters.

Sex MattersBBC
Kevin Hollinrake
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“Charlotte has been a fierce campaigner on grooming gangs and single-sex spaces and her campaign will give her the opportunity to stand up for vulnerable girls, plain and simple.” Kevin Hollinrake said this about Charlotte Cadden.

BBC
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“We've seen social justice theories infiltrate our public services and women and girls are no longer safe in some of those services,” Charlotte Cadden said this while discussing her priorities.

BBC
Context / background 🎤 said

“I want a proper inquiry on grooming gangs… to get rid of carbon tax… get mobiles phones out of schools.” Charlotte Cadden said this when outlining her priorities upon selection.

BBC
Dan Clarke
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“ever-increasing encroachment on our civil liberties” Dan Clarke said this in his candidate profile and statement to voters.

Not Really HereWhoCanIVoteFor?
Jobs / pay / rights 🎤 said

“I can fight to start lowering taxes and oppose every step of the way the growth in size and cost of the government, which has grown every year since before the time of “austerity” began.” Dan Clarke said he wants to “start lowering taxes” and oppose growth in the size and cost of government.

tamesidecorrespondent.co.uk
Context / background 🧾 documented

Dan Clarke is nominated as the Libertarian Party UK candidate.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

Clarke’s nomination notice lists his home address area as Runcorn.

Manchester City Council
Sebastian Moore
Transport / air / infrastructure 🎤 said

“punishing car users” Sebastian Moore cautioned against “punishing car users” at the Levenshulme hustings.

Not Really Here
Context / background 🧾 documented

Sebastian Moore is nominated as the Social Democratic Party candidate.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

Moore’s nomination notice lists his home address area as the Manchester Central constituency.

Manchester City Council
William Clouston
Jobs / pay / rights 🎤 said

“Sebastian has been tireless in building our party across the North West. He understands the concerns of working people in constituencies like Gorton & Denton – on housing, on jobs, on the cost of living. He provides a serious alternative.” William Clouston said this about Sebastian Moore.

Not Really HereBBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

Sebastian Moore returned to the UK in 2022 after working abroad and made Manchester his home.

BBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

Sebastian Moore stood for the SDP in Manchester Central at the 2024 general election and polled 240 votes.

BBC
Jobs / pay / rights 🧾 documented

Sebastian Moore worked in education and volunteers at Burnage food bank.

Not Really Here
Homes / rents / streets 🎤 said

“I’m standing in this by-election to set out a positive vision for our area and our country. If we want to rebuild Britain, we have to start in places like Gorton and Denton: improving housing, strengthening social cohesion, and creating meaningful work, with communities empowered to drive the change that’s needed. I’m proud to be standing in the city I now call home.” Sebastian Moore said this when announcing his candidacy.

Not Really Here
Joseph O’Meachair
Homes / rents / streets 🎤 said

“ghettoisation” Joseph O’Meachair used this term while discussing housing and HMOs.

Not Really Here
Homes / rents / streets 🧾 documented

Joseph O’Meachair suggested linking local regeneration schemes to comparable European projects to share expertise and best practice.

Not Really Here
Transport / air / infrastructure 🧾 documented

Joseph O’Meachair focused on the role of international standards in reducing air pollution over recent decades.

Not Really Here
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“Britain is being humiliated on the world stage. Our self-respect demands that we rejoin a strong democratic bloc to resist pressures from some nations whose only aim appears simply to be to further their own narrow self-interests.” Joseph O’Meachair said this in his candidacy statement.

Not Really Here
Context / background 🧾 documented

Joseph O’Meachair is nominated as the Rejoin EU Party candidate.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

O’Meachair’s nomination notice lists his home address area as the district of Preston.

Manchester City Council
Rejoin EU Party
Context / background 🎤 said

“appears to have thrown the contest wide open” The Rejoin EU Party said Labour denying Burnham permission to stand “appears to have thrown the contest wide open”.

BBC
Rejoin EU Party
Context / background 🎤 said

“offer voters a clear pro-EU alternative” The Rejoin EU Party said it wanted to “offer voters a clear pro-EU alternative”.

Not Really HereBBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

Joseph O’Meachair stood in Preston in 2024 for Rejoin EU and received 216 votes.

BBC
Jackie Pearcey
Homes / rents / streets 🎤 said

“Dealing with substandard housing” is her priority; she is also focussing on the NHS and the cost of living crisis. Jackie Pearcey said this when summarising her campaign pledges.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Homes / rents / streets 🧾 documented

Jackie Pearcey’s priority is “dealing with substandard housing”; she is also focusing on reducing energy bills through renewable energy.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Homes / rents / streets 🎤 said

“There has been a big problem in recent years with a lot of houses bought up by buy-to-let, cash-rich investors from the South-East. It sees people on six-month tenancies and this causes a terrible churn in local schools.” Jackie Pearcey said this during the BBC hustings debate on housing.

bbc.com
Transport / air / infrastructure 🎤 said

“danger zone” Jackie Pearcey said at the Levenshulme hustings that pollution readings outside her home were frequently in the “danger zone”.

Not Really Here
Context / background 🧾 documented

Jackie Pearcey is nominated as the Liberal Democrats candidate.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

Pearcey’s nomination notice lists her home address area as Gorton and Denton.

Manchester City Council
Culture war / cohesion 🎤 said

“Voters in Gorton and Denton deserve so much more than the failing Labour government or the divisive politics of Reform UK.” Jackie Pearcey said this in her Liberal Democrat candidate announcement.

libdems.org.uk
Health / care / harm 🎤 said

“We have a golden opportunity to champion the issues that matter most to people - the cost of living, fixing the NHS and supporting our local high streets and businesses,” Jackie Pearcey said this when announcing her candidacy.

BBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

Jackie Pearcey has served as a governor at Oasis Academy Aspinal in Gorton for more than 20 years.

BBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

Jackie Pearcey has a doctorate in nuclear physics.

BBC
Context / background 🧾 documented

Jackie Pearcey was a Manchester City Councillor for Gorton North (1991–2012).

WhoCanIVoteFor?
Homes / rents / streets 🧾 documented

Jackie Pearcey’s past local campaigns include saving Gorton Monastery and redevelopment of old Gorton Market.

mcrlibdems.uk
Hugo Wils
Homes / rents / streets 🎤 said

“That crisis is going to deepen, not get any better, because we live under class rule, the government and the state are organised for the interests of big business, not working people.” Hugo Wils said this while discussing housing.

Not Really Here
Jobs / pay / rights 🎤 said

“The root of our problems is the capitalist system.” Hugo Wils said this in an interview.

Not Really Here
Jobs / pay / rights 🧾 documented

Hugo Wils is an aerospace worker and a member of Unite the Union.

Not Really Here
Homes / rents / streets 🎤 said

“At the same time, it would provide the housing, schools, hospitals and roads that working people need.” Hugo Wils said this while calling for a public works programme.

Not Really Here
Context / background 🧾 documented

Hugo Wils is nominated as the Communist League candidate.

Manchester City Council
Context / background 🧾 documented

Wils’ nomination notice lists his home address area as the Manchester Withington constituency.

Manchester City Council
Other speakers / election context
Context
Context / background 🧾 documented

The first constituency-specific poll (Omnisis) for Gorton & Denton showed the Green Party leading on 33%, Reform UK on 29%, and Labour on 26% (undecided/not voting removed).

greenparty.org.uk
Context
Context / background 🧾 documented

Denton’s “left behind” feeling has created an opening Reform is trying to exploit.

Guardian
Context
Context / background 🧾 documented

Nigel Farage has been “frequently and enthusiastically visible” on the campaign trail.

BBC
Context
Context / background 🧾 documented

George Galloway’s party standing aside for the Greens could prove decisive.

BBC
Context
Context / background 🧾 documented

Ten of the eleven candidates attended the 12 Feb Levenshulme hustings; Sir Oink A‑Lot was the only absentee.

Not Really Here
Nigel Farage
Context / background 🎤 said

“could be the end of Starmer” Nigel Farage said this to journalists at the Denton event.

manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Context
Context / background 🧾 documented

Polling day is Thu 26 Feb 2026, 7am–10pm.

Manchester City Council
Context
Context / background 🧾 documented

The by-election followed Andrew Gwynne stepping down on health grounds after an offensive WhatsApp messages scandal.

yahoo.com
Context
Context / background 🧾 documented

Labour’s NEC said allowing Burnham to run could trigger an “unnecessary election” for the Greater Manchester mayoralty.

BBCBBC
Context
Context / background 🧾 documented

Labour warned that a Green vote could “risk letting Reform in” under first-past-the-post.

Guardian
Context
Context / background 🧾 documented

Labour’s NEC blocked Andy Burnham from standing for Labour in Gorton & Denton.

itv.com
Context
Context / background 🧾 documented

Around 50 Labour MPs wrote to Starmer warning that blocking Burnham was a “real gift” to Reform UK.

BBC

What kind of politics do we want?

Better Britain Bureau is for competence and evidence-led policymaking. This page is built to make chasing/checking claims easier. Hopefully, modern tech helps turn noise into signal for future elections, instead of just putting us all out of work, but who really knows? Not us.

The question for voters in Gorton, Denton, Levy and Burnage isn’t just “which party?”, but what kind of politics you want?

If you want the bigger picture, see our flagship report: Year of Labour. We’ll try to keep it up to date through this government, to see whether the promise of change is being delivered. So far they’re scoring just about OK on policy — which is a long way from an endorsement given their rough optics, bad timing, poor preparedness and high drama.

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Local note I live in Longsight (within Gorton & Denton), and I’ve lived in Gorton, Levy and Reddish for 20+ years.

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