Starmer rails against division as Labour backs a local candidate in Gorton and Denton
Keir Starmer has framed the upcoming byelection in Gorton and Denton as a crucial test of what he calls “true patriotism” in UK politics. Speaking during a stop in Japan, the Labour leader argued that the party is the only one capable of uniting communities and defeating the kind of “poisonous division” he says is stoking political rancour today. The remarks come as Labour confirms a local candidate will stand for the seat, signaling a push for a ground-level campaign focused on local issues rather than national controversy.
What Starmer means by “true patriotism”
Starmer’s rhetoric centers on a vision of patriotism that puts practical public services, community strength, and social cohesion ahead of partisan brinkmanship. He argues that the country’s future lies in committees and councils that deliver outcomes for ordinary people, rather than slogans that he believes inflame fear and resentment. By presenting Labour as the party that can defeat Reform’s branding of disruption, Starmer tries to reframe patriotism as a positive, inclusive project rooted in local realities.
The byelection context and Labour’s local candidate strategy
The Gorton and Denton byelection is widely viewed as a proxy battle over Labour’s ability to win back working-class voters who have fluctuated between Labour and other parties in recent cycles. Labour’s choice to field a local candidate underscores a strategy to emphasize community ties, local infrastructure, and immediate concerns—housing, schools, and policing—over national quarrels. Party officials describe the candidate selection as a deliberate attempt to strengthen Labour’s presence in a constituency with a history of close contests.
Reform UK’s positioning and Labour’s counter-narrative
Reform UK has positioned itself as an alternative to the main parties, often highlighting issues such as immigration, governance, and economic reform. Starmer’s critique of Reform’s approach rests on a claim that their messages exacerbate division rather than offering constructive solutions. Labour’s campaign message, meanwhile, emphasizes unity, practical policy delivery, and the restoration of trust in public institutions. The byelection will thus test whether voters see Labour as the more credible vehicle for stable, patriotism-forward governance.
Local impact and campaign dynamics
Analysts say the outcome may hinge on how effectively Labour can connect national rhetoric with tangible local improvements. Voters will be weighing the value of steady investment in public services against the appeal of outsider reform narratives. The party’s local candidate is expected to tout ongoing community projects, local employment initiatives, and neighborhood safety measures as proof of Labour’s commitment to everyday needs.
What this means for the national stage
While byelections seldom redraw the national map, they can offer a snapshot of party momentum and the resonance of leadership messages. If Labour sustains a credible performance, it could reinforce Starmer’s argument that his party offers a stable alternative to what he terms poisonous division. Conversely, a strong showing for Reform could signal a shift in voter sentiment and the need for Labour to refine its patriotism narrative while remaining focused on consequences for constituents.
Looking ahead
Campaigns in by-elections like Gorton and Denton are typically driven by micro-level issues and turnout dynamics. The Labour campaign’s emphasis on “true patriotism” and local representation will likely continue to be mirrored by contrasting messages from Reform and other parties. As the vote approaches, both sides will be testing how well their messages translate into votes in a climate still shaped by broader political debates about national unity, public services, and the role of government in everyday life.
