Denton's Discontent: A Town's Quest for Political Change
In the heart of Tameside, a town called Denton is grappling with a sense of disenchantment and neglect. Just six-and-a-half miles from Manchester, it feels like a forgotten place, struggling with economic decline, infrastructure issues, and a perceived lack of representation. The upcoming by-election on February 26th has brought the town's discontent to the forefront, with Reform posters adorning windows, walls, and garden posts, signaling a potential shift in political allegiances.
The Singletons, a couple who have lived in Denton for decades, embody the town's frustration. Ian, a former army veteran and building trade worker, laments the decline of the high street, replaced by hairdressers, nail shops, takeaways, and barbers. He blames the government and the Tories for killing local businesses and pubs, citing rising costs and the struggle for his children to find affordable housing. The town's isolation from Manchester, with its bypassed Metrolink system and congested roads, further exacerbates the sense of being left behind.
Denton's residents feel a strong sense of identity and national pride, as Ian Singleton highlights the contrast between the Welsh and their sense of belonging. However, the town's infrastructure and services are in dire need of improvement. Council tax rates have increased while bin collections have been cut, roads are riddled with potholes, and fly-tipped rubbish is a common sight near the town center. These issues have contributed to a sense of malaise, with one resident describing Denton as the 'forgotten little town.'
The political landscape in Denton is complex. The constituency, split between Gorton and Denton, has seen rapid change, with median house prices in the Levenshulme area rising twice as fast as Manchester's overall rate between 2013 and 2023. The Gorton half of the constituency is a battleground between Labour and the Greens, each vying to beat Nigel Farage's Reform Party. However, Reform's candidate, Matt Goodwin, sees an opportunity in Denton, positioning himself as a champion for residents' issues.
Ian Singleton, once a staunch Labour supporter, now expresses disillusionment with the party, feeling it has turned its back on working people. Yet, he is also uncomfortable with the sentiment behind the St George's flags that have appeared since last year, associating them with racism and anti-foreign sentiment. Another Denton resident, who supports Reform, acknowledges the party's policies but expresses reservations about environmental policies and the treatment of legal contributors to society.
The Green candidate, Hannah Spencer, challenges the notion that Reform is the only party that can persuade Denton's voters. She argues that no party has a stronghold in the area and that Reform's assumption of a white working-class vote was a mistake. Tensions have arisen in Manchester as well, with Reform flags sparking hostile reactions in local Facebook and WhatsApp groups, indicating a complex and divided community.
Despite the challenges, Reform's path to victory may lie in the middle ground. Professor Robert Ford suggests that a divided vote between Labour and the Greens could benefit Reform, as they wouldn't need to win overall. However, predicting the outcome of the election is uncertain, and Ford emphasizes that the future remains unknown.
Ian Singleton, despite his reservations, views Goodwin as the most likely path to political change, seeing him as a 'lad from around this area' who could be the 'voice of the working person.' The town's residents, frustrated with the status quo, are seeking a political champion to address their concerns and bring about the change they desperately need.
