‘We are the forgotten little town’: will disenchantment in Denton leave it ripe for Reform? | Greater Manchester

Denton, England, is seeing a surge in support for the Reform Party ahead of the Feb. 26 byelection, with residents expressing disillusionment with both Labour and the Conservatives. Concerns over the decline of local businesses, the rising cost of living, and a perceived lack of identity are driving voters toward the party.

Disenchantment in Denton

Ian and Irene Singleton, long-time residents of Denton, display a Reform Party banner in their front yard. Ian, a 68-year-old army veteran and former building trade worker, noted the decline of the high street, with pubs being replaced by hairdressers, nail shops, takeaways, and barbers.

“They’ve killed the little businesses,” Ian said, blaming both the government and the Conservative party. Irene, 66, a former textile worker, added that everything has become “so expensive.” The couple’s children, in their late 30s and early 40s, are finding it “virtually impossible to buy” a home.

A Sense of Being Left Behind

Residents describe Denton as a “forgotten little town,” lacking the seasonal decorations seen in neighboring areas. Council tax rates have increased while bin collections have been cut, and roads are riddled with potholes. The town is also hampered by poor transportation links, with the Metrolink system bypassing Denton, slow bus routes, and a railway station named Britain’s least-used in 2023-24.

Meanwhile, the Gorton half of the constituency has experienced rapid change, with median house prices in Levenshulme rising at twice Manchester’s overall rate between 2013 and 2023. This division creates an opportunity for Reform’s candidate, Matt Goodwin, to gain votes on the Denton side.

Mixed Feelings About Reform

Ian Singleton, a former Labour supporter, believes Goodwin could be “the voice of the working person,” alongside Reform colleague Lee Anderson. However, he expressed discomfort with some of the symbolism associated with the party, stating, “I think sometimes people who use [St. George’s flags] are racists, and are anti-foreign people.”

Another Denton resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the economy drove his support for Reform, but acknowledged concerns about some of the party’s policies, including environmental issues and immigration. “I’ve had to sacrifice some of my beliefs, I think, to support Reform,” he said.

Competing for Votes

Green candidate Hannah Spencer believes Reform has wrongly assumed the support of Denton’s working-class community. Tensions have arisen in some areas due to the appearance of St. George’s flags, with some residents expressing concerns about feeling unsafe.

Despite the challenges, University of Manchester professor Robert Ford believes Reform’s success hinges on logistical and organizational efforts to reach potential supporters. He noted that canvassing in the area could be “quite a bruising experience” due to the potential for hostility.

Ford suggested Reform’s path to victory relies on a divided vote between Labour and the Greens. “Anyone who tells you what’s going to happen…is either a fool or a fanatic,” he said.

Ian Singleton remains hopeful that Goodwin can bring about political change, believing “they can’t do any worse, I really don’t.”