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Polls close in Gorton and Denton by-election and vote counting begins
The polls have closed in Gorton and Denton in Manchester, where locals have been voting for their next MP
The result is due in the early hours of Friday morning – a close race between Labour, Reform UK, and the Greens is expected
The vote was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne on health grounds – a full list of candidates is here
Chris Mason analysis: If Labour fail to win, it'll be awkward for them if Reform are the victors – and arguably doubly awkward if it is the Greens
Edited by Owen Amos and Angus Thompson, with Jack Fenwick reporting from the count in Manchester
What a Gorton byelection win would mean for Reform, Greens and Labour
Polls put seat in three-way dead heat with Labour facing threats from Reform and Green party in once safe seat
The Gorton and Denton byelection is the biggest electoral test yet for Keir Starmer before what are expected to be disastrous results for Labour in the May local elections. Polls put the race in a three-way dead heat, making it nearly impossible to call.
The vote is particularly symbolic because of the threat Labour faces from Reform UK and the Green party in a once safe seat. Should Labour lose, it will put the spotlight back on Starmer’s decision to block Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, from contesting the seat.
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AUDIO: Crucial by-election a major test for UK PM
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced a leadership crisis over his choice of US ambassador. (Reuters: Toby Melville)
A seemingly standard by-election in the UK could serve as a make or break moment for Britain's prime minister Keir Starmer.
His premiership has been under immense pressure amid the rising appeal of populist leaders on the left and right wings of British politics as well as from within his own Labor party.
Recent polling for the constituency of Gorton and Denton, encased in the northern Labor stronghold of Manchester, has the government finishing second or third behind the Greens or the right-wing Reform.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Polls close in.