Minister defends move, saying that a mayoral campaign in Greater Manchester would have ‘a substantial and disproportionate impact’ on party resources
Here is Peter Walker’s story about Douglas Alexander’s media round this. Alexander, the Scottish secretary, has a good turn of phrase, and is fond of alliteration, and he said the decision taken yesterday not to allow Burnham to be a byelection candidate was “more about focus than about factionalism”.
At one stage there was speculation that Zack Polanski, the Green party leader, would be the party’s candidate in the Gorton and Denton byelection. He is from Manchester (but also currently sitting as a member of the London assembly.) He has ruled out being the Green candidate. But the Greens are claiming they are now best placed to beat Reform UK in the seat.
Labour have blown it. This is it. Time to take on Reform.
Manchesters first Green MP is coming. Join us to help get them elected on Saturday
