Manchester’s suburbs of Gorton and Denton are the focus of a crucial UK parliamentary by-election on February 26. The 80,000 voters here are deciding the political future amid a collapse of support for central parties Labour and Conservatives. The election sees tough competition between Labour, right-wing Reform UK, and the left-leaning Green Party. “The Greens will cut the Labour vote, I think,” said local shopkeeper Usman Khan. Labour’s candidate Stogia said the vote is about “choice between unity and division,” warning a Green vote would help Reform. Meanwhile, Green candidate Hannah Spencer called a win a chance to prove Greens can win nationwide. The area’s Muslim voters, about 30% of the population, hold the key. Professor Robert Ford said, “The Muslim vote will absolutely decide the election. It’s pivotal and hard to predict.” Anger over Labour’s stance on the Gaza war turned some Muslims away in the last election, adding mystery to this vote. Local tensions have grown after Labour MP Andrew Gwynne resigned amid scandal and Labour blocked popular mayor Andy Burnham’s candidacy. This has weakened Labour’s local standing. Reform UK’s candidate Matthew Goodwin, not from the area and holding controversial views, is unpopular locally but the party benefits from an anti-establishment sentiment. Denton leans more toward Reform, while multicultural Gorton favors Labour and Greens. Voters like Susan, a Conservative supporter, plan to back Reform, while others stick with Labour despite doubts. Usman Khan summed it up: “Denton is very nice. It’s up to you. If you are good, all the people are good.”