Green Party Claims Historic Parliamentary By-Election Victory in Gorton and Denton
The Green Party has secured an historic first parliamentary by-election triumph in the constituencies of Gorton and Denton, delivering a devastating setback to Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour administration. This defeat in a previously rock-solid Greater Manchester heartland saw Labour slump to a shocking third place, trailing behind both the Greens and Reform UK in a result that has sent profound shockwaves through Westminster.
New MP Hannah Spencer Clinches Seat with Comfortable Majority
Newly elected MP Hannah Spencer, a local councillor and professional plumber, clinched the seat decisively with 14,980 votes and a comfortable majority of 4,402. Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin secured second place with 10,578 votes, while Labour’s Angeliki Stogia trailed with just 9,364 votes. This represents a massive slide from the 18,555 votes Labour netted in the 2024 general election, highlighting a dramatic erosion of support in this traditional stronghold.
The Conservative and Liberal Democrat candidates trailed far behind with fewer than 800 votes each, underscoring the seismic nature of this electoral upset. The contest was triggered by the resignation of former MP Andrew Gwynne due to ill health, setting the stage for this pivotal political battle.
Impassioned Victory Speech and Political Reactions
During an impassioned victory speech, Spencer told supporters that residents were tired of being "bled dry" while their hard work "lined the pockets of billionaires." The 34-year-old winner also addressed her political opponents directly, stating, "I won't accept this victory tonight without calling out politicians and divisive figures who constantly scapegoat and blame our communities for all the problems in society."
She emphasized her pride in running a positive, inclusive campaign focused on key local issues: bringing down the cost of rent and bills, protecting the NHS, properly funding public services, and ending Britain’s complicity in genocide. In a lighter moment, Spencer humorously apologized to her plumbing clients for any unfinished work, joking, "I think I might have to cancel the work that you had booked in, because I'm heading to Parliament."
Celebration and Criticism from Rival Parties
Celebrating the 27.5% swing from Labour to the Greens, party leader Zack Polanski declared, "If we see a swing like this at the next general election, there will be a tidal wave of new Green MPs." With this victory, the Green Party now boasts five MPs, fundamentally shifting the political landscape in Greater Manchester and beyond.
However, the mood was less celebratory among the runners-up. Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin claimed his party had "embarrassed Labour" despite the loss, controversially suggesting that "a coalition of Islamists and woke progressives" dominated the constituency vote, a statement likely to provoke widespread debate.
Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley described the result as "clearly disappointing," noting that by-elections are typically difficult for the governing party. She argued that "the politics of anger and easy answers offered by the Greens and Reform" would fail to address critical issues like the cost-of-living crisis, youth opportunities, or public service funding.
Implications for Labour and Future Elections
The Greens' triumph significantly undercuts Labour’s assertion that it represents the sole alternative for anti-Reform voters, compounding the electoral difficulties facing the governing party ahead of May’s local elections. Despite the loss, deputy leader Lucy Powell insisted there was "no leadership contest" brewing against Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Nevertheless, polling expert Sir John Curtice suggested that internal 'nervousness' regarding Sir Keir’s leadership would now be significantly heightened. This historic by-election result not only marks a milestone for the Green Party but also signals potential turbulence for Labour as it navigates a challenging political climate and prepares for upcoming electoral tests.
