Final countdown as voters go to polls in crucial local test for UK PM
Feb 27, 2026
London [UK], February 27: Polling stations have opened in a crucial by-election in the United Kingdom which is set to provide a major test of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership.
Labour staged a final photocall for their candidate as thousands of voters go to the polls in the Gorton and Denton by-election. Labour's Angeliki Stogia joined Lucy Powell, deputy leader of the party, and the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, controversially blocked from standing in the contest.
In pouring rain in Gorton as the campaign counted down to its final hours, the three stepped onto the party campaign bus along with other party activists for a final round of door-knocking.
Burnham said he was not "sorry" he was not the candidate himself in a crucial election which is set to provide a major test of Starmer's leadership. Victory would buy Starmer some breathing space after a period in which his leadership of Labour has been questioned. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
