Who is Angeliki Stogia, Labour's Candidate for the Gorton By-Election?

Angeliki Stogia has been selected as the Labour Party candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, following the resignation of former MP Andrew Gwynne due to health issues. The by-election, scheduled for 26 February 2024, comes after Labour previously secured the seat with a significant majority of 13,000 votes.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Angeliki Stogia, a prominent Labour councillor for Whalley Range, has officially announced her candidacy for the Gorton and Denton by-election. This election follows the unexpected resignation of Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down on health grounds. Stogia's selection is particularly noteworthy as Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham was previously denied permission to enter the race. The by-election will test Labour's stronghold in this constituency, which they won comfortably in the last general election.

Key takeaways

Angeliki Stogia is the Labour Party candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election.
The by-election is set for 26 February 2024, following Andrew Gwynne's resignation.
Labour previously won the constituency by a majority of 13,000 votes in the last general election.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline surrounding the Gorton and Denton by-election is as follows:

**August 2023**: Andrew Gwynne announces his resignation due to health issues.
**October 2023**: Labour Party announces the by-election date for 26 February 2024.
**12 October 2023**: Angeliki Stogia is selected as the Labour candidate.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Angeliki Stogia's candidacy has been confirmed, positioning her as the Labour Party's representative in the by-election. This announcement comes after a significant absence of other major candidates, particularly after Burnham was barred from entering the contest.

What was already established

The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of Andrew Gwynne, who held the seat since 2015. The Labour Party has a strong history in this constituency, having maintained a substantial majority during the previous general election.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The by-election will engage local voters, particularly in the context of current economic challenges and public health concerns. Stogia's campaign may address local issues such as housing, public services, and community cohesion.

Businesses and jobs

As the by-election approaches, local businesses may react to the political climate, particularly if any economic promises are made during the campaign. Labour's position on economic recovery and support for small businesses could be pivotal in attracting votes.

Policy and regulation

The outcome of the by-election may influence Labour's broader strategies in Greater Manchester, especially as they prepare for the general election in 2024. Stogia's campaign will likely focus on policies addressing local concerns, which could set the tone for Labour's approach in the region.

Numbers that matter

13,000: The majority by which Labour won the Gorton and Denton seat in the last general election.
26 February 2024: The scheduled date for the by-election.
1: The number of candidates confirmed so far for the upcoming election.

Definitions and jargon buster

**By-election**: An election held to fill a vacant seat in a legislative body.
**Majority**: The number of votes by which a candidate wins over their closest rival.
**Councillor**: An elected member of a local government council.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Voter sentiment will likely be gauged through canvassing and community engagement as Stogia begins her campaign. Labour will need to reinforce its message and connect with constituents on pressing issues.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The focus will shift towards the general election in 2024, with the outcome of this by-election potentially impacting Labour's strategy and positioning in Greater Manchester. The party will monitor local issues closely to adjust its campaign accordingly.

Signals to watch

Polling data from local constituency surveys.
Public responses to Stogia's campaign initiatives.
Engagement levels at community events and local party meetings.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with local issues during the campaign to resonate with voters.
Encourage community participation in discussions about local governance.

Don’t

Ignore the significance of voter turnout in local elections.
Overlook the importance of addressing health and economic concerns.

Checklist

Review local voter demographics and preferences.
Prepare key messages that address constituents' concerns.
Set up community outreach programmes to engage voters.
Monitor responses to campaign initiatives and adapt as necessary.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There are several unknowns as the by-election approaches. The impact of Andrew Gwynne's resignation on voter sentiment is yet to be fully understood. Additionally, the political landscape may shift as new candidates emerge, and economic conditions continue to evolve. Stogia's ability to connect with the electorate will be crucial amidst these uncertainties.

Bottom line

The Gorton and Denton by-election presents a significant opportunity for Labour, particularly with Angeliki Stogia at the helm. The party's past success in this constituency suggests a strong chance of retaining the seat, but it will be essential to address local concerns and engage effectively with voters in the lead-up to the election.

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