Green Party By-Election Campaign Sparks Sectarian Allegations
The Green Party is facing severe criticism over what opponents describe as a 'sectarian' campaign strategy in the Gorton and Denton by-election, just days before polling stations open. Both party leader Zack Polanski and candidate Hannah Spencer have been condemned for participating in interviews with the 5Pillars media platform, which has been reprimanded multiple times for hosting far-Right figures making anti-Semitic and homophobic remarks.
Urdu Leaflets and Gaza Messaging Draw Fire
Further controversy has erupted over Green Party campaign literature distributed in Urdu, explicitly calling on local voters to 'punish Labour for Gaza.' Translated leaflets state: 'Give the faltering walls a push. Labour must be punished for Gaza. We have to defeat Reform and vote for the Greens. To give the Muslims a strong voice, give your vote to the Greens.' This targeted messaging has been labelled as divisive and sectarian by political rivals and observers.
Defence and Denials from Green Representatives
A Green Party spokesperson defended the multilingual approach, stating: 'Not all voters speak English as their first language, so of course Greens wish to be inclusive. Our approach has been praised by locals who love their diverse community.' Deputy leader Mothin Ali denied accusations of sectarianism, explaining that the campaign used English, Bangla, and Arabic to appeal broadly, with slogans inspired by Bangladeshi and Pakistani political traditions to foster resonance.
Criticism from Across the Political Spectrum
Senior Tory MP Neil O'Brien criticised the Greens, saying: 'The Greens benefit from an unfair perception that they are 'sandal-wearing hippies' when in reality they are a mix of really sinister commies and really sinister Islamists.' Labour peer Lord Katz attacked the 'sectarian' campaigning, while Lord Walney, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Defending Democracy, warned: 'This hate-filled sectarianism is the dark reality behind the Greens' shiny progressive veneer.'
5Pillars Platform and Regulatory History
The 5Pillars media platform, which describes itself as a Muslim community outlet, has faced multiple reprimands from press regulator Impress. In 2024 alone, it was censured twice for interviews where far-Right figures made anti-Semitic and homophobic comments without sufficient challenge. The platform left Impress in November 2024, citing incompatibility with 'liberal values' and complaints from pro-Israel and pro-LGBT groups.
Political Context and By-Election Stakes
The Gorton and Denton by-election, triggered by former Labour minister Andrew Gwynne's resignation, is a fiercely contested three-way race between the Greens, Labour, and Reform UK. With the Greens emerging as bookies' favourites, a potential Labour defeat could plunge Sir Keir Starmer's premiership into crisis, especially after Prime Minister Starmer blocked Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from being Labour's candidate. Polling stations open at 7am on Thursday, with local voters set to decide the outcome of this high-stakes contest.
