The Christian Vote highlights Nick Buckley, Advance UK candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election

While The Christian Vote has recommended Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin in the Gorton and Denton by-election, it would be remiss not to recognise other candidates whose platforms strongly reflect our values. One such candidate is Nick Buckley MBE, standing for Advance UK.

Buckley brings a distinctly local focus to a contest dominated by national narratives. He has emphasised practical priorities that matter to residents of Gorton and Denton: safer streets, a more rigorous inquiry into the grooming gang scandal, and stronger local representation. In a campaign where national issues often eclipse local concerns, his commitment to borough-level safety and accountability is notable. Buckley is also a widely known local figure in Manchester, which strengthens his claim to represent the community’s immediate needs and lived experience.

Importantly, alongside Matt Goodwin, Nick Buckley was one of only two candidates to sign CitizenGO’s pledge. That pledge commits signatories to oppose the introduction of assisted suicide, to resist moves towards the decriminalisation of abortion up to birth, to oppose use of puberty blockers on children, to question sweeping bans on so-called ‘conversion therapy’, and to challenge aspects of the Online Safety Act. These positions align with long-held Christian Democratic concerns about protecting vulnerable life, safeguarding childhood, defending freedom of conscience and speech, and scrutinising state power over family and moral questions.

We acknowledge that voters weigh many factors at the ballot box. Still, in a race where principled local advocacy and clear stances on bioethical and moral issues are comparatively scarce, Nick Buckley’s platform warrants careful attention from those who share our convictions.