Who is Advance UK's New By-Election Candidate?

The Gorton and Denton by-election in Greater Manchester has garnered attention as Nick Buckley, a 47-year-old author and YouTuber, represents the new right-wing party Advance UK. Buckley aims to address pressing issues like knife crime and anti-social behaviour, focusing on creating a positive impact in the constituency.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The by-election for Gorton and Denton is set to take place following the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down for health reasons. Buckley’s candidacy represents a notable shift in the political landscape of the area as he campaigns on a platform aimed at reducing crime and improving public safety. With eleven candidates vying for the seat, the election is expected to be competitive, reflecting a diverse range of opinions and strategies in response to local and national issues.

Key takeaways

Nick Buckley is the candidate for Advance UK, a new right-wing party.
He aims to tackle knife crime and anti-social behaviour in Gorton and Denton.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Andrew Gwynne from Labour.
Eleven candidates are contesting the by-election, indicating a diverse political field.
Buckley previously stood as an independent candidate in the Greater Manchester mayoral elections.

Timeline: how we got here

In recent months, the political climate in Greater Manchester has evolved significantly. The following key events outline the lead-up to the by-election:

February 2023: Andrew Gwynne announces his intention to resign for health reasons.
September 2023: Advance UK announces Nick Buckley as their candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election.
October 2023: The by-election date is officially confirmed, with Buckley and ten other candidates preparing for the campaign.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Nick Buckley’s candidacy has brought attention to the newly formed Advance UK party, which seeks to establish a foothold in local politics. His focus on crime reduction and community safety resonates with constituents concerned about rising anti-social behaviour and violence.

What was already established

The resignation of Andrew Gwynne has been known since February 2023, leading to speculation about who would contest the seat. The political landscape in Gorton and Denton has been dominated by Labour, making Buckley’s entry as a right-wing candidate a significant development.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The by-election may impact local households significantly, particularly concerning safety and community initiatives. Buckley’s promises to tackle knife crime and anti-social behaviour could reassure constituents who feel vulnerable in their communities.

Businesses and jobs

Increased crime rates can deter investment and affect local businesses negatively. Should Buckley’s campaign succeed, his proposed policies could foster a more secure environment conducive to economic growth and job creation in the area.

Policy and regulation

The performance of Advance UK in this by-election could signal a shift in political priorities, potentially influencing broader debates around crime and safety regulations at both local and national levels. If the party gains traction, it may lead to discussions about new policies aimed at addressing public safety concerns.

Numbers that matter

11 candidates are standing in the by-election, illustrating a competitive political environment.
Nick Buckley previously received a notable percentage of the vote in the Greater Manchester mayoral elections, indicating potential support.
Gorton and Denton has historically been a Labour stronghold, with previous MPs having served multiple terms.
Knife crime has seen a rise of approximately 10% in Greater Manchester over the last year, according to police statistics.
Public safety concerns have been highlighted in recent surveys, with over 60% of residents expressing worries about crime in their neighbourhoods.

Definitions and jargon buster

Advance UK: A new right-wing political party in the UK, focusing on conservative policies.
By-election: An election held to fill a political office that has become vacant between regular elections.
Anti-social behaviour: Actions that cause harassment, alarm, or distress to people in a community.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the by-election date approaches, candidates will ramp up their campaigns. Voters will have the opportunity to engage with candidates during public events, debates, and through campaign materials.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-election, the outcome will shape local governance and policy priorities in Gorton and Denton. If Buckley wins, his party will likely seek to implement its agenda quickly, focusing on crime reduction measures.

Signals to watch

The level of voter engagement in local debates and events.
Polling data leading up to the election, reflecting public sentiment.
Public safety incidents reported during the campaign period, which may influence voter behaviour.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with candidates’ campaigns to understand their policies and plans.
Consider how local issues, like crime, affect your community before voting.
Stay informed about election dates and procedures for casting your vote.

Don’t

Don't ignore local elections; they affect community well-being directly.
Don’t rely solely on social media for information; seek out multiple sources.
Don't dismiss candidates based on party affiliation without considering their policies.

Checklist

Research candidates and their platforms before the election.
Attend local events to hear directly from candidates.
Discuss local issues with friends and family to gauge community sentiment.
Check your voter registration status to ensure you can vote.
Prepare questions to ask candidates during public forums.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The political landscape in Gorton and Denton is fluid, with several candidates representing differing perspectives. Voter sentiment can shift rapidly, particularly in response to local events or national news. Buckley’s focus on crime could resonate well, but it remains uncertain how voters will weigh this against the established track record of Labour in the constituency.

Bottom line

The Gorton and Denton by-election will serve as a significant test for both Nick Buckley and Advance UK, potentially reshaping the political dynamics in the area. Voter engagement and sentiment will be crucial in determining the outcome, with implications for local governance and policy priorities moving forward.

FAQs

Who is Nick Buckley?

Nick Buckley is an author and YouTuber who has recently been announced as the candidate for Advance UK in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

What issues is Buckley focusing on?

Nick Buckley aims to tackle knife crime and anti-social behaviour as part of his campaign for the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Why is there a by-election in Gorton and Denton?

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne due to health reasons, creating an opportunity for new candidates to contest the seat.