In Beijing, a conversation reportedly took place between China’s President Xi and Keir Starmer, where Xi praised Starmer for his authoritative leadership style. Starmer, in turn, expressed concerns about his political standing due to past decisions. While Xi may not be familiar with specific British political details, recent events in Manchester could have a significant impact on Starmer’s future.

Starmer’s decision to prevent Andy Burnham from running for office was met with criticism, as many saw it as a move to protect his own position rather than a genuine concern about a mayoral race. This decision further weakened Starmer’s image, already tarnished by multiple policy reversals, including the recent backtrack on pub business rates.

The Labour Party, despite its landslide victory just 20 months ago, has faced a decline in membership and public support under Starmer’s leadership. Starmer’s approach to key issues like asylum and immigration has alienated some working-class voters who perceive him as out of touch with their concerns.

In the upcoming election in Gorton, Labour faces a tough battle against Reform Party’s candidate Matthew Goodwin, whose controversial views could resonate with disillusioned voters. Burnham, with his background and experience, is seen as a more relatable and trustworthy candidate compared to Starmer. The odds favor Reform and the Greens over Labour in the Gorton seat, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties.

The reluctance to support Burnham in Gorton could have far-reaching consequences, potentially pushing voters towards more unconventional leaders like Farage and Zack Polanski of the Greens. This shift in voter sentiment could pose a significant threat to traditional parties like Labour and the Tories, paving the way for a new political landscape in the UK.

The situation in Gorton underscores the need for Labour to reconnect with working-class voters and present a more authentic and compelling vision to counter the appeal of populist figures like Farage. Failure to address these underlying issues could have a profound impact on the political landscape in the UK, as voters seek alternatives to the status quo.