The Green Party is preparing to mount a formidable challenge in the forthcoming Gorton and Denton parliamentary byelection, with party officials expressing confidence in their prospects following the exclusion of Andy Burnham from the Labour candidacy. This development has reshaped the political landscape, presenting the Greens with a significant opportunity to capitalise on local discontent and potentially alter the outcome of the contest.
A Strategic Opening Emerges
In the recent general election, the Green Party secured third place in the constituency, trailing the incumbent MP Andrew Gwynne by nearly 14,000 votes. However, the party now views the prevention of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing as a Labour candidate as a pivotal moment that could tilt the balance in their favour. This scenario has prompted the Greens to deploy an extensive grassroots campaign, aiming to convince voters that they represent the most viable alternative to Reform UK.
Candidate Selection and Campaign Strategy
While the final decision rests with the local Green Party branch, expectations are high that Hannah Spencer, the leader of the Green group on Trafford Council, will be selected as the candidate. Spencer, who contested the 2024 Greater Manchester mayoral election against Burnham, is a plumber by profession and previously resided in the constituency, factors that could enhance her appeal to local residents.
One Green official emphasised the party's determination, stating, "It's us or Reform. We're serious. We will be throwing a lot of resources at this, and unlike the other parties we simply can't afford to do that unless we have a chance of winning. Andy Burnham being blocked is a gamechanger for us." The official drew parallels with Plaid Cymru's successful campaign in the Caerphilly byelection last October, where the Welsh party displaced Labour from first to third place while fending off a strong Reform challenge.
Leadership Involvement and Fundraising Efforts
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who hails from Manchester but now resides in London, briefly contemplated standing in the seat before opting to focus on his campaign in the capital. Nevertheless, Polanski was scheduled to visit the constituency on Tuesday to inaugurate the canvassing drive, which the party hopes will mobilise hundreds of activists for leafleting and door-knocking over the weekend.
To support these efforts, the Greens plan to initiate a dedicated crowdfunding campaign aimed at raising funds for essential materials such as leaflets and signage. This financial strategy underscores the party's commitment to a resource-intensive campaign, reflecting their belief in a tangible chance of victory.
Political Implications and Rival Dynamics
A defeat for Labour at the hands of the Greens, or a scenario where a high Green vote facilitates a Reform UK win, would constitute a severe setback for Keir Starmer. Such an outcome would also represent a significant embarrassment following Starmer's intervention to prevent Burnham from standing. The Green official added, "We obviously need to cement this narrative but people can feel that Labour are breaking apart."
In a related development, George Galloway, the controversial former Labour MP who recently represented Rochdale as a pro-Gaza independent, announced on Monday that he would not contest the byelection. Instead, Shahbaz Sarwar, a local councillor who unseated the deputy leader of Manchester City Council in 2024, will stand for Galloway's Workers Party of Britain. While Sarwar is expected to campaign vigorously on Labour's handling of the Gaza conflict, he lacks Galloway's national profile, potentially benefiting both Labour and the Greens by reducing the fragmentation of the anti-Reform vote.
Local Perspectives and Future Prospects
A local activist noted that while the Green Party is unlikely to confirm its candidate for approximately another week, Spencer is widely regarded as the frontrunner. "She used to live in the constituency and knows it well. Local people would see her as someone who would speak up for them," the activist remarked, highlighting her potential to resonate with voters on a personal level.
As the byelection approaches, the Green Party's aggressive campaign strategy and the altered political dynamics set the stage for a highly competitive and closely watched contest. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the party's standing in Greater Manchester and the broader political landscape in the region.
