Green Party's Hannah Spencer Triumphs in Gorton and Denton By-Election
In a stunning political upset, Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer has emerged victorious in the Gorton and Denton by-election, delivering a substantial blow to the Labour Party and the administration of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The results, announced in the early hours of February 27, 2026, signify a dramatic shift in voter sentiment within this Greater Manchester constituency.
A Historic Victory for the Green Party
Hannah Spencer, a local plumber, will now become the fifth Green Party Member of Parliament in the House of Commons. This achievement marks the first instance in which the Green Party has ever secured a top position in a Westminster by-election. Her win represents the first addition to the Green Party's parliamentary ranks since the leadership of Zack Polanski, who has notably boosted the party's standing in recent polls.
In her victory speech delivered shortly after 4:30 AM, Spencer expressed enthusiasm for the future, stating, 'Something exciting is definitely happening, and I invite you all to be part of it. Come and join the Green Party, so that we can spread hope and win everywhere across the country.' Following the announcement, Spencer plans to celebrate with a karaoke session in the constituency before attending an Iftar at a local mosque to express gratitude to her Muslim supporters.
Labour's Significant Setback
The Gorton and Denton seat was previously held by Labour, which secured over 50% of the vote during the 2024 general election. However, this by-election marks the second consecutive occasion where the governing party's support has substantially eroded. The contest was widely perceived as a three-horse race between Spencer, Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia, and Reform UK's Matt Goodwin.
Labour invested considerable resources in an effort to retain the seat, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and numerous Cabinet members traveling to the area to campaign. Despite these efforts, the outcome suggests that the party now confronts challenges from both the left and the right, with the Green Party's success indicating a rise of left-leaning populism.
Internal Labour Party Tensions
The by-election result is likely to intensify internal debates within the Labour Party regarding its strategic direction. Prior to the vote, the party blocked popular Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from running as a candidate, citing concerns about triggering a separate by-election to fill his mayoral position. This decision sparked accusations that Starmer was prioritizing his own political survival over fielding the strongest possible candidate.
Burnham, widely regarded as a potential leadership contender, subsequently offered his full support to Angeliki Stogia. Additionally, Angela Rayner, another possible challenger to Starmer whose Ashton-under-Lyne constituency borders Gorton and Denton, actively campaigned in the area. The defeat may embolden MPs on the 'soft left' of the party to pressure Starmer to adopt policies more appealing to potential Green voters or even consider leadership changes.
Context of the By-Election
The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of Andrew Gwynne, who was originally elected as a Labour MP but lost the party whip in February 2025 following the emergence of offensive WhatsApp messages in the media. After serving as an independent MP for eleven months, Gwynne announced his resignation on January 22, 2026, citing 'significant ill health.'
Lucy Powell, Labour's deputy leader, commented on the outcome, acknowledging that the Greens 'have managed to win that argument that they were best placed' to prevent Reform UK from securing the seat. This victory places increased scrutiny on Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who has demonstrated considerable media prowess, potentially overshadowing Starmer's public presence.
The Gorton and Denton by-election underscores a pivotal moment in British politics, highlighting the Green Party's growing influence and the mounting pressures facing the Labour government as it navigates a complex political landscape.
