My name is Angeliki Stogia, and today I was selected as Labour’s candidate for the Gorton & Denton by-election.

Full statement

I wish I could tell you this campaign was business as usual. But it isn’t.

Reform have chosen Matt Goodwin — a man who’s said non-white people can’t truly be English, is endorsed by Tommy Robinson, and has claimed civilisation is being “drained away” by people from “inferior cultures”.

That kind of politics doesn’t belong in our communities. I won’t let it take root here — not in Gorton & Denton, and not on my watch.

I am a local resident and Manchester councillor and have spent the last 12 years fighting for the best for this area.

I have devoted my life to working and campaigning for the people of Manchester and Greater Manchester, campaigning for good homes, better transport, and a greener city.

This is a moment of choice for Gorton and Denton — between a community that stands united or politics that divides neighbour from neighbour.

That’s why this election feels personal to me.

This place is strongest when people in our communities are treated with dignity and respect — and it is weakest when politicians try to divide us for their own gain.

I will continue to advocate for unity, fairness and hope in and around our great community.

Those are Labour values. And they are the values I am fighting for in this election.