Sadiq Khan has told Labour to stop “trying to compete” with Reform UK in a warning to Sir Keir Starmer following his party’s defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
The mayor of London said the result had revealed “a far-reaching change and fracturing in our politics, which cannot simply be ignored or wished away”.
Labour fell to third in the previously rock-solid seat on Thursday, with the Greens winning a fifth seat in Parliament and Reform UK coming second.
Hannah Spencer, a councillor and plumber, emerged victorious after winning 14,980 votes – a majority of 4,402.
Mr Khan said the result was “terrible” for Labour, calling for the party to “fundamentally rethink its approach”.
He warned Labour now confronts an “existential” threat in certain regions of the country.
Writing for The Guardian, Mr Khan said: “If we don’t unite progressives, we risk opening the door to the darkness and division of Reform – a party that takes Donald Trump as its inspiration and has promised an ICE-style force on Britain’s streets, which will send shivers down the spine of every minority community living in this country.”
He added that during the 2024 mayoral election, he had campaigned on a commitment to uphold “values of equality, inclusion and respect for diversity”.
Sadiq Khan said the by-electon result was ‘terrible’ for Labour
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GETTY/LEON NEAL
He said that pledge included speaking out against what he described as racism and sexism by US President Donald Trump.
“Staying quiet on these issues and trying to compete with Reform on the right of politics not only feels inauthentic – at a time when authenticity is more prized in politics than ever – but a betrayal of what Labour is supposed to represent,” Mr Khan said.
Labour MPs, unions and campaign groups have demanded a change of course from Sir Keir ahead of crucial elections in May, with warnings his days in No10 could be numbered unless the party’s fortunes improve.
Former Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said the Gorton and Denton by-election result should be a “wake-up call” for the party.
Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer was victorious in the Gorton and Denton by-election
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PA
“This result must be a wake up call. It’s time to really listen – and to reflect,” Ms Rayner said.
“Voters want the change that we promised – and they voted for.
“If we want to unrig the system, if we want to make the change we were sent into Government to make, we have to be braver.
“A Labour agenda that puts people first. That’s what all of us across our movement need to rededicate ourselves to this morning.”
At a rally in Manchester celebrating his party’s victory, Green leader Mr Polanski said the result was “an existential crisis for the Labour Party”.
Sir Keir has however pledged to “keep on fighting”.
“I came into politics late in life to fight for change for those people who need it,” the Prime Minister said earlier this week.
“I will keep on fighting for those people for as long as I’ve got breath in my body.”