VOTERS IN Denton are likely to go to the polls to elect a new MP on Thursday, February 26.
A by-election has been called after Andrew Gwynne – suspended from the Labour Party as it investigates the notorious Trigger Me Timbers WhatsApp group – was allowed to step down on health grounds.
Now a writ has been issued, officially triggering the election process, by Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds in his role as Chief Whip.
A vote in the Gorton and Denton constituency has to happen between 21 and 27 working days from its issuing, suggesting it will scheduled for February 26.
In the House of Commons, Mr Reynolds said: “I beg to move that Mr Speaker do issue his warrant to the clerk of the Crown to make out a new writ for the electing of a member to serve in this present Parliament, for the borough constituency of Gorton and Denton, in the room of Andrew John Gwynne who, since his election for the said borough constituency has been appointed to the Office of Steward and Bailiff of His Majesty’s Manor of Northstead in the county of York.”
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle repeated that text and MPs agreed to it.
Gorton and Denton is set to be at the centre of huge political wrangling as a non-candidacy is already causing ructions.
Labour’s decision to block Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham from standing is said by some to have sparked civil war in the party.
Shortlisting interviews of those cleared by its national executive committee will be held on Tuesday, January 27 before hustings and selection on Saturday, January 31.
Reform UK is targeting much resource, as its head of policy Zia Yusuf is expected to stand.
While Workers Party leader George Galloway appears to have some thinking to do after saying he would stand if Mr Burnham was selected.
Green Party head Zack Polanski, who comes from Salford, is also being linked with candidacy.