The result of the fiercely fought by-election in Gorton and Denton in Greater Manchester – seen as major test of Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership – will be announced in the coming hours after polls have closed.
Labour won the seat in 2024 with more than half the vote, but polling before election day suggested the party’s candidate faces a tight three-way contest with Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin and the Greens’ Hannah Spencer.
Victory for Labour would buy the prime minister some breathing space after a period in which his leadership of Labour has been questioned repeatedly.
But defeat is likely to pile the pressure back on him, with some suggesting a third-placed finish in a previously safe part of Greater Manchester could spell the end of his premiership.
However, Labour MPs have suggested Sir Keir would not face an immediate challenge, even if the party came third, because they do not want a leadership election while they are fighting the local and devolved elections on 7 May.
Polling stations opened at 7am and closed at 10pm.
