The Green Party achieved a landmark victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election, with candidate Hannah Spencer winning the seat after a tightly contested race against Labour and Reform UK. The election, held on Thursday, 26 February, drew significant attention as a key test of Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership and the shifting political landscape.
Following Labour MP Andrew Gwynne’s resignation citing health reasons, eleven candidates vied for the constituency seat. Polling stations opened early and closed late, drawing a turnout of 47.62%, nearly matching the 47.8% turnout from the 2024 general election.
Hannah Spencer secured a decisive win, garnering 14,980 votes. Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin, supported notably by far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson, came second with 10,578 votes. Labour’s Angeliki Stogia trailed in third with 9,364 votes, marking a significant setback for the party traditionally dominant in the area.
READ MORE: Major UK Bank Acquisition: Virgin Money Customers to Transfer to Nationwide from April
READ MORE: New £28 Dunelm Resin Strawberry Plant Pot Wins Hearts with Whimsical Charm
A Green Party insider expressed optimism prior to the result, emphasizing that the Greens are becoming a durable progressive force in British politics. “We’re not here to be disappointed by Labour; we’re here to replace them,” the source said. “This is a seismic moment where the Greens show they can protect the country from the Reform threat, highlighting Labour’s current shortcomings.”
Gorton and Denton is marked by stark contrasts—affluent neighborhoods border some of the most deprived in the region—making it a politically complex battleground. Despite Labour’s previous 50% vote share in 2024, this by-election highlighted growing support for alternative parties.
Controversy shadowed the election, with reports of illegal “family voting,” where relatives vote together in breach of the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023. Observers noted such instances at the majority of polling stations monitored. Green Party leader Zack Polanski pledged to back an investigation, while Reform UK chair David Bull raised concerns about the election’s fairness.
The by-election also attracted headlines when Labour blocked former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing, preventing his anticipated parliamentary return.
In her victory speech, Hannah Spencer connected deeply with the community, emphasizing her working-class roots and pragmatic approach. “I’m a plumber and recently qualified as a plasterer. I work hard, just like everyone else here,” she said. Spencer condemned widening inequality: “People who work hard can no longer afford basic necessities. Instead, billionaires are profiting while we struggle.”
She vowed to represent all constituents—whether they voted for her or not—and balanced her personal story with a commitment to serve: “I might have to cancel the work you booked—I’m heading to Parliament.” Spencer’s win signals a new chapter for the Greens and a wake-up call for Labour in this diverse and economically divided constituency.