First by-election poll shows Reform narrowly ahead... but Labour would romp to victory if Andy Burnham had not been blocked
The first poll for the crunch Gorton & Denton by-election has shown Reform narrowly on track for victory.
Research by Find Out Now suggests that - excluding don't knows - Nigel Farage's party is on 36 per cent support, with Labour on 33 per cent.
In a boost for Keir Starmer's hopes of 'squeezing' the Left-wing vote, the Greens were seen as some way back on 21 per cent.
However, the survey also underlined the consequences of the PM blocking Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from being Labour's candidate on February 26.
He could have secured 49 per cent backing from voters, while Reform would drop to 28 per cent.
Constituency polling comes with a major warning as it is notoriously difficult to do accurately. Find Out Now surveyed 143 people in the constituency on January 26 and 27.
And while Reform have chosen GB News presenter Matt Goodwin as their contender, the other parties are yet to decide.
In a boost for Keir Starmer's hopes of 'squeezing' the Left-wing vote, the Greens were seen as some way back on 21 per cent
The survey also underlined the consequences of the PM blocking Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from being Labour's candidate on February 26
The by-election campaign has already been threatening to turn nasty, with Mr Goodwin threatening to call in the police over a Labour video falsely claiming he had slagged off Manchester.
The footage had actually been edited from comments where he was criticising the lack of atmosphere at Tory conference.
Reform said it has given Greater Manchester Police 'formal notice' that false statements are being circulated in breach of the Representation of the People Act 1983. It is unclear what sanction would be available as Labour has not selected a candidate yet.
The Greens have been mocked for putting up posters asking for help to win its fifth seat - but managed to spell the name of the constituency wrong.
Supporters attending a rally by Zack Polanski, the leader of the hard Left party which is in with a strong chance of taking the Greater Manchester constituency, were greeted by signage asked supporters to help in 'Gorten and Denton'.
The gaffe, spotted by Sky News, came after Reform's Lee Anderson faced mockery yesterday for appearing to campaign in the wrong constituency.
He posted pictures on social media showing volunteers ready to hit the doorstep in a seat the party has high hopes of winning, writing: 'Gorton and Denton. A cold but productive day in what will be a hotly contested seat. Reform UK fear no party. Bring it on.'
While Reform have chosen GB News presenter Matt Goodwin as their contender, the other parties are yet to decide
However, his Mancunian followers were quick to point out that the crowd of around 100 Reform activists were pictured standing outside the Stanley House Function Rooms in Audenshaw, in Angela Rayner's neighbouring Ashton-Under-Lyne constituency.
At the same time, reports suggest Labour is struggling to find a candidate in a seat they comfortably held in the 2024 general election, but in which they could now finish third.
Reform unveiled Mr Goodwin, a TV presenter and Right-wing commentator as its candidate yesterday, and the Greens are expected to unveil theirs tomorrow.
But there is no sign yet Labour has decided on who will stand, after Greater Manchester mayor Mr Burnham was blocked by Sir Keir.
