PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release
Date: 24 January 2026

Gorton and Denton by-election could put the Covid-19 financial support scandal back at the heart of Westminster, says ExcludedUK

ExcludedUK, the grassroots organisation representing millions of UK taxpayers who were excluded from parity of Covid-19 financial support, today said that developments around the upcoming Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election could prove pivotal for long-overdue action on the exclusion scandal.

Reports confirm that Andy Burnham has sought permission to enter Labour’s selection process for the Gorton and Denton by-election. (The Guardian)

ExcludedUK notes that Burnham has previously supported the campaign, including publicly engaging with excluded taxpayers and highlighting the unfairness faced by those left without meaningful support during lockdowns. (excludeduk.org)

Why this matters to the 3.8 million excluded

During the pandemic, 10% of UK taxpayers received little or no help, despite being required to stop trading, close premises, or losing work. The figure of 3.8 million excluded UK taxpayers was cited in the House of Commons during the Covid-19 Financial Support debate on 15 January 2026, underscoring the scale of the problem. (Hansard)

Independent academic analysis has also estimated that up to 3.8 million adults lost earnings directly due to the pandemic and were not furloughed or supported through main schemes, reinforcing the breadth of the gap in support. (University of Bristol)

ExcludedUK was established to represent those excluded from parity of government financial support during Covid-19 and continues to press for a fair remedy and protections for the future. (excludeduk.org)

What the by-election could change

ExcludedUK is non-party political. However, by-elections can shift the national conversation quickly. A high-profile contest in Gorton and Denton could:

• Force clear public positions from candidates on whether they support parity and a practical remedy for those excluded
• Create a fresh Westminster route for championing the issue through debates, amendments, committees and the APPG on Gaps in Covid-19 Financial Support
• Increase pressure for delivery on promises, not just sympathy, as excluded taxpayers approach six years without redress

Media commentary has suggested Burnham’s potential return to Parliament is being viewed by some as a step that could eventually feed into Labour leadership dynamics, adding to the political attention around the contest. (The Guardian)

Statement from Jennifer Griffiths of ExcludedUK:

“Millions of taxpayers did the right thing and were still left behind. The Gorton and Denton by-election has the potential to put this injustice back in the spotlight, where it belongs.

We will engage with any candidate, from any party, who is prepared to back parity of Covid-19 financial support and commit to a credible route to redress. Excluded taxpayers deserve outcomes, not warm words.”

Calls to action

ExcludedUK is calling on:

1. All candidates in Gorton and Denton to state clearly whether they support parity of Covid-19 financial support and a remedy for those excluded
2. Party leaderships to commit to practical solutions that address past harm and prevent future exclusion
3. MPs and Lords to engage with the APPG and support urgent next steps for excluded constituents (excludeduk.org)

Notes to editors

• ExcludedUK represents taxpayers and businesses who were excluded from parity of Covid-19 government financial support. (excludeduk.org)
• The House of Commons debate “Covid-19: Financial Support” took place on 15 January 2026. (Hansard)
• Research briefing: “Who are the excluded?” (University of Bristol) estimates up to 3.8 million adults lost earnings due to the pandemic and were not supported through furlough or related measures. (University of Bristol)

Media contact

ExcludedUK Press Office
Email: admin@excludeduk.org
Website: www.excludeduk.org

ENDS