Green Party Secures Landmark Victory in Gorton and Denton By-Election
In a stunning political upset, the Green Party has clinched a historic win in the Gorton and Denton by-election, delivering a severe blow to Labour's traditional stronghold in Manchester. Hannah Spencer, the newly elected Green MP, celebrated her triumph alongside party leader Zack Polanski, marking the Greens' first-ever parliamentary seat in northern England and their best by-election result to date.
Labour's Worst Fears Realised as Progressive Voters Defect
Labour officials had long dreaded a Green victory in this contest, and their anxieties were confirmed as Spencer secured a commanding majority of 4,402 votes over Reform UK. This outcome not only grants the Greens their fifth Westminster MP but also sends a clear message to progressive voters: they now have a viable alternative to Labour for countering Reform's influence. Pollster Luke Tryl emphasised the significance, noting that Labour's strategy of relying on the Reform threat to unite the left has been critically undermined.
John Curtice, a professor of politics at Strathclyde University, highlighted how the result reflects a desertion of Labour's core support bases, including white working-class voters and ethnic minorities. He described the future of British politics as increasingly uncertain following this seismic shift.
Campaign Dynamics and Voter Sentiment
Spencer's campaign strategically targeted Muslim voters, leveraging issues such as Keir Starmer's stance on Gaza, which resonated deeply within the community. She released videos in Urdu, mirroring tactics used in Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign in New York, and pledged to advocate for marginalised groups. "My Muslim friends and neighbours are just like me: human," Spencer declared at the vote count, addressing divisive rhetoric in politics.
For Labour, finishing a distant third has reignited internal debates about Starmer's leadership and his ability to inspire the party's progressive base. This defeat follows a similar pattern seen last year in Caerphilly, where Plaid Cymru ended over a century of Labour dominance, raising questions about the party's direction and appeal.
Implications for Labour and Broader Political Landscape
The by-election loss intensifies pressure on Starmer to empower the left wing of his party, though some fear this could alienate swing voters crucial for general elections. Lucy Powell, Labour's deputy leader, acknowledged the need for the party to more vocally champion its values and transformative policies.
Andrea Egan, general secretary of the trade union Unison, attributed the Greens' success to Labour's perceived abandonment of progressive principles, urging the government to defend workers' rights and challenge far-right narratives more assertively.
Reform UK and Conservative Setbacks
Reform UK secured second place with a 14% swing, but the result suggests the party's momentum may be stalling, as the seat ranks low on their target list. Candidate Matt Goodwin faced criticism for his selection, and he blamed the outcome on a coalition of "Islamists and woke progressives," reflecting internal tensions.
The Conservatives experienced a historic collapse, with candidate Charlotte Cadden receiving only 1.9% of the vote—the party's worst by-election performance ever and only the second time since 1962 they have lost their deposit by polling under 5%. This underscores the party's decline in areas where Reform is gaining traction.
Overall, the Gorton and Denton by-election has reshaped the political landscape, highlighting voter disillusionment with traditional parties and setting the stage for heightened competition in upcoming elections. The Greens' breakthrough signals a potential realignment of progressive politics in the UK, with lasting repercussions for Labour's strategy and unity.
