Read our Privacy noticeDespondent Labour MPs are reluctant to campaign in the crucial Gorton and Denton by-election because they fear the party could face an embarrassing defeat amid growing concerns over Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership. Labour is now set to choose from a shortlist of three relatively unknown councillors to fight for the seat, with a candidate set to be picked on Saturday. The Reform UK leader, flanked by his local candidate, told party supporters: "We've got an excellent, strong candidate who I've known for... 15 years? Labour already appears concerned about the impact of the Green Party, which has soared in the polls since Mr Polanski became leader in September last year. Sir Keir’s party has launched a campaign to try to prevent leftwing voters from tactically backing the Greens to avoid a so-called “Caerphilly scenario”.