Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia outlines plans on housing and antisocial behaviour ahead of by-election

Labour has confirmed that Angeliki Stogia will stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election on 26 February, following the resignation of former MP Andrew Gwynne earlier this month.

The constituency, which covers communities across Manchester and Tameside, has traditionally been a Labour stronghold.

Ms Stogia is a Labour councillor for Whalley Range and, speaking at her selection alongside party figures including Anna Turley and Lucy Powell, said: “I am a proud Mancunian woman. I have walked the streets of this constituency. This is about Manchester. Manchester is a city united - we are rejecting division.”

In an interview with the Tameside Reporter, she addressed residents’ concerns about housing and antisocial behaviour.

HMOs and housing standards

Ms Stogia said HMOs form part of the local housing mix but must be properly regulated.

“HMOs provide a valuable option to some residents,” she said. “However, they need to be managed properly, and they need to be safe.”

She acknowledged that issues could arise around fly-tipping, antisocial behaviour and property standards, and said fire safety and licensing requirements must be strictly enforced.

Under current rules, HMOs must be licensed, and Tameside Council has introduced planning requirements so that all new HMOs require permission, giving residents the opportunity to raise objections.

Ms Stogia said she would work with local authorities to ensure landlords comply with regulations and that concerns raised by neighbours are acted upon.

“Where residents are concerned that there is no licence or that someone is operating in nature and has not reported it, it needs to be reported,” she said. “I would be very happy to look at any specific case and work with residents, tenants and the council to sort it out.”

She added that part of the challenge can be ensuring landlords understand their responsibilities, while also taking firm action where rules are not followed.

Antisocial behaviour and youth provision

Angeliki Stogia said tackling the issue requires both enforcement and prevention.

“One thing with antisocial behaviour is making sure that young people have somewhere to go,” she said. She suggested engaging directly with young people to understand what activities and facilities they want, and looking at how existing parks and community spaces could be better used.

At the same time, she said visible policing and neighbourhood relationships are important. She wants residents to feel confident reporting issues to their local PCSO and building trust with officers.

Ms Stogia said additional funding for policing has been announced nationally and that she would press for a fair share locally to address antisocial behaviour.

Residents have also raised concerns about issues such as illegal bikes, face coverings and substance misuse. She said these matters should be addressed through coordinated work between police, youth services and community organisations.

Living locally

Ms Stogia has lived in Manchester for more than three decades and currently resides in Whalley Range, around 2.7 miles from the constituency boundary.

She said she does not currently plan to move but would consider it if it became a significant issue. “I feel that I know the area and it’s in close proximity,” she said, noting her experience representing residents as a councillor.

“Bringing the community together”

Asked why voters should back her on 26 February, Ms Stogia pointed to her track record as a councillor.

“What I want to do, if I become elected, is to bring the community together, listen to their voices and act on their concerns,” she said.

She said her approach combines dealing with “the little things that make residents’ lives better” and securing wider investment and long-term improvements.

“I have a track record of delivering action on the ground,” she said. “I want to work with people to change things around and support them in whatever they need.”

Ms Stogia also has a big focus on improving public transport in the area, including the inaccessibility of Levenshulme train station due to the amount of stairs.

Voters will head to the polls later this month to decide who will represent Gorton and Denton at Westminster following Mr Gwynne’s departure from Parliament.