Greens unveil plumber as their woman to pour cold water on Keir Starmer's by-election hopes... while Farage talks up 'real chance' for Reform
The Greens have unveiled a plumber as their woman hoping to pour cold water on Keir Starmer's by-election hopes.
Hannah Spencer was named as the left-wing outfit's candidate at an event in Gorton & Denton alongside party leader Zack Polanski.
It is thought Ms Spencer - who is also training to be a plasterer - would be the first female plumber to become an MP.
However, the contest in a traditionally safe Labour seat is shaping up to be a tough three-way - or even four-way - battle.
Campaigning in the constituency this morning, Nigel Farage insisted Reform contender Matt Goodwin has a 'real chance' of emerging victorious on February 26.
Meanwhile, senior Labour figures have been pouring into the area, with the party due to announce its candidate tomorrow.
Hannah Spencer was named as the Green candidate at an event in Gorton & Denton alongside party leader Zack Polanski
It is thought Ms Spencer - who is also training to be a plasterer - would be the first female plumber to become an MP
Campaigning in the constituency this morning, Nigel Farageinsisted Reform contender Matt Goodwin has a 'real chance' of emerging victorious on February 26
Ministers have been desperately trying to move on from the bitter spat that saw Sir Keir block Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from putting himself forward for the battle.
Labour and the Greens are both adamant they are the only option for voters who want to prevent Reform taking the seat.
George Galloway's Workers Party of Britain are also in the mix.
Ms Spencer - currently a Green Party councillor for the Hale Ward in Trafford - was unveiled at the Pakistani Community Centre in Longsight, Manchester.
In a speech to activists, she said: 'I didn't go to university to study politics. I'm a plumber here in Manchester. I fixed homes for a living. I spend my days in people's kitchens, in their bathrooms, and their front rooms.
'See them firsthand, how people are really coping. And what I've seen, time and time again is people struggling. Now, everyone in this city region knows what it's like to struggle.'
Ms Spencer said: 'Muslims don't keep me awake at night. I don't lose sleep over trans people trying to exist in peace. What keeps me up at night is child poverty.
'I don't believe that solidarity ends on our streets. I don't believe it ends in our town or on the UK's borders.'
Mr Polanski 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!'
On his visit, Mr Farage told broadcasters: 'It's an open contest. Clearly if Andy Burnham had won for Labour the circumstances would be different, I'd be the first person to admit that, but he's not.
Keir Starmer's woes will deepen dramatically if Labour cannot hold on in the by-election (pictured in China today)
Ministers have been desperately trying to move on from the bitter spat that saw Sir Keir block Manchester mayor Andy Burnham (pictured) from putting himself forward for the battle
'We have the most unpopular prime minister in my lifetime, and I think a vote for Reform is effectively a referendum on Starmer and his Government.
'So I think we're in with a very real chance.'
He dismissed the idea that Muslim voters in the area would shun Reform.
'I wouldn't have thought so, would you? I mean, look, we've got very prominent Muslim people, we've got a Muslim woman, who's gonna stand for us, for the mayor of London contest, against Sadiq Khan,' he said.
'So, no, there are plenty of members of the Muslim community who will vote for Reform, support Reform.'
