We are witnessing the emergence of a new political phenomenon in British politics: a quasi-primary election among progressive parties in the build-up to a final contest against Reform UK. This isn’t a formal process, but the political reality on the ground is undeniable.
We’ve already seen the initial stages play out. In the Gorton & Denton ‘progressive primary,’ both the Workers Party of Great Britain and Your Party have conceded defeat by not standing candidates, leaving Labour and the Greens still battling it out to be the dominant progressive voice.
There are some positives to this pre-election tussle for progressives. The initial contest to be the party that flies the flag for progressives can generate significant political heat. This energy, focused entirely on the progressive side, with each party competing to land blows on Reform, can help to marginalise the right-wing challenger by denying it vital media oxygen.
However, there is a significant danger. If this “primary” contest gets too nasty, it risks fragmenting progressives, alienating activists, and potentially confusing voters who are needed to turn out in the final election. Furthermore, a protracted and bitter internal fight can drain precious resources – both financial and organisational – before the main campaign even properly begins.
For the Labour Party, the stakes could not be higher. If they can’t win these progressive primaries, it represents an existential threat to their standing. They aren’t just facing the Greens; in different parts of the country, they will increasingly confront this challenge from the Liberal Democrats, nationalist parties, Your Party, and credible local independents.
The situation in Gorton & Denton is an immediate wake-up call. If nothing else, Labour needs to use this contest to hone its strategy for winning these ‘progressive primaries’ quickly and effectively.
For the last year or so, there has been a debate about whether Labour should focus its energy on building a progressive coalition or on trying to hold on to the Reform-curious. With the need to win progressive primaries, there can only be one decision. Labour won’t win progressive primaries if they are seen to be too comfortable with Reform’s agenda. If they lose progressive primaries they will consistently become the victim of tactical voting from progressives uniting to stop Reform.
Here is some guidance on how Labour can adapt its approach in the build-up to a general election and win in this new political landscape:
1. Define the Progressive Proposition on Their Terms
Labour cannot simply rely on being the largest party. In a multi-party progressive field, they must clearly articulate why they are the most effective vehicle for progressive change. This means moving beyond broad statements and offering a concrete, deliverable vision that distinguishes them from competitors like the Greens or Lib Dems without alienating their voters. The argument must be that Labour offers not just progressive values, but the power and competence to implement them nationally.
2. Differentiate Without Destruction
The warning about the contest getting “too nasty” is critical. Labour needs to win the right to represent progressives without scorching the earth. Attacks on fellow progressive parties should be substantive and policy-based, not personal or factional; ads like a recent one which lampooned Zack Polanski’s historical appearance at Lib Dem conference, should be reconsidered. The goal is to persuade Green or Lib Dem leaners that Labour is the better strategic choice, not to make them despise the party. A respectful but vigorous debate on how to achieve shared goals is healthy; a mudslinging match is self-defeating.
3. Make the “Only Way to Beat Reform” Case By Showing, Not Just Telling
The most potent argument Labour has in a progressive primary is that it is the only party capable of defeating Reform UK in a general election. However, this cannot simply be asserted; it must be demonstrated. Labour needs to show strength, momentum, and a professional campaign operation on the ground. Voters need to feel that backing a smaller progressive party is a wasted opportunity to stop Reform, while backing Labour is a vote for a guaranteed victory.
4. Build Broad Coalitions Early
Don’t wait for the “primary” to become a free-for-all. Labour should be proactively building relationships with local community leaders, trade unions, and issue-based campaign groups long before an election is called. By consolidating support from key influencers across the progressive spectrum early on, Labour can create an air of inevitability around its candidacy, making it harder for other parties to gain traction.
5. Resource the Primaries Strategically
The concern about draining resources is real. Labour needs a smarter approach than simply throwing money at every contest. They must use data to identify key “progressive primary” battlegrounds – seats where the combined progressive vote is a majority but is currently fractured. These are the areas that require a bespoke, resource-intensive strategy to unify the vote under the Labour banner before the main election fight begins.
The emergence of the “progressive primary” is a reality that Labour cannot ignore. It requires a shift in mindset and strategy. By embracing this challenge with a clear, unified, and positive message, Labour can not only win these initial contests but also emerge from them stronger and better prepared to take on Reform UK and win the arguments that matter most to the country.
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Cogent. Let’s hope Labour leaders read this and act upon it. Otherwise Trumpian Farage will be upon us.