The Gorton and Denton constituency is preparing for a crucial by-election on February 26, following the resignation of MP Andrew Gwynne on January 22. Gwynne, who had served the area since 2005, cited ill health amidst criticism arising from publicised WhatsApp messages. The path to the Labour candidacy for the by-election saw a notable development when Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham applied to stand, but his bid was blocked by the Labour National Executive Committee on January 25. Expressing his disappointment, Burnham affirmed his commitment to his mayoral role and pledged full support for Labour's chosen candidate.

On January 31, Labour officially announced Angeliki Stogia as their candidate, with Mayor Burnham promptly congratulating her on social media. The announcement event, held outside the Jain Community Centre in Longsight, attracted a substantial gathering of political figures, party activists, supporters, and media. Among the prominent attendees were Labour's former deputy leader Angela Rayner, government chief whip Jonathan Reynolds, and several other Members of Parliament. The selection of Ms Stogia came after a period of speculation, which had narrowed the shortlist to her and Bury Council leader Eamonn O'Brien following Burnham's withdrawal.

Angeliki Stogia, a native of Arta, Greece, relocated to the UK in the 1990s to pursue studies at Manchester Metropolitan University, subsequently becoming a naturalised British citizen. Since 2004, she has resided in Whalley Range, a ward she has represented as a Labour councillor on Manchester City Council since 2012. Her extensive political experience includes serving as the local authority's lead member for Transport and Environment, where she played a significant role in debates concerning active travel and road space, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, including the temporary pedestrianisation of parts of Deansgate. Furthermore, Ms Stogia has previously contested the 2014 European elections as a North West candidate and secured second place in the Chester South and Eddisbury constituency during the 2024 general election.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Ms Stogia conveyed her thrill and excitement, stating, "I am a proud Mancunian woman. I have walked the streets of this constituency. This is about Manchester. Manchester is a city united, we are rejecting division." She reiterated her dedication to promoting unity and securing a victory for Labour. Later, in an interview with the M.E.N, she underscored, "It's very, very important to reject the division. We are a city, united and every vote in this election counts." She also strategically framed the contest as a local battle, distinct from national political narratives, asserting that the Reform party, led by Nigel Farage, fails to comprehend the everyday realities of the residents of Gorton and Denton.

Labour's Deputy Leader Lucy Powell and party chair Anna Turley flanked Ms Stogia during the announcement. Turley lauded the occasion as an "amazing announcement" and emphasised the crucial importance of the forthcoming electoral contest. Powell echoed these sentiments, characterising Ms Stogia as a "local girl" who has "been delivering for people in this area for a long time." Labour has strategically positioned the by-election as a "straight fight between Labour and Reform," with Powell directly challenging Reform and its candidate, Matt Goodwin, a former academic and GB News presenter. She implored voters to support Labour to prevent a Reform MP from introducing "divisive politics" into Manchester and Denton. Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig also offered her strong support, acknowledging that while "by-elections are always difficult," Labour is "up for the fight."

The political campaign is now in full swing, with various parties actively engaging in outreach. Labour activists, spurred by Powell, immediately commenced canvassing, building on what was described as "really positive" feedback received on the doorstep. Reform's candidate, Matt Goodwin, was observed campaigning with a Reform-branded open-top bus, pledging to "make history," while Green Party leader Zack Polanksi and candidate Hannah Spencer rallied hundreds of volunteers, asserting that "Only the Greens can stop Reform in this by-election." This signals the intense battle that has truly commenced.