Green Party Leader Frames By-Election as Battle Between Hope and Hate
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has issued a stark message to voters in the Gorton and Denton constituency, urging them to choose "hope" over "hate" in an upcoming by-election that he characterises as a direct contest between the Greens and Reform UK. Speaking on the campaign trail in Denton on Saturday, Polanski joined the party's candidate, councillor and plumber Hannah Spencer, to rally supporters ahead of the crucial vote.
A Two-Party Race According to Greens
Polanski told assembled supporters with conviction that this election represents a clear choice for the electorate. "We know this election is between the Reform party and the Green Party," he stated. "It's between hate and hope and I think we know who is going to win." The Green leader expressed optimism about the campaign, noting that local residents were feeling "excited" at the prospect of electing the area's first Green MP, which he believes would signal a significant political shift.
Dismissing Labour's Intervention as "Absurd"
The Green leader responded forcefully to a letter from deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell, who had expressed concerns that Polanski was being "played" by Reform UK and risked splitting the Labour vote, thereby allowing Reform to secure victory. Speaking to the Press Association, Polanski labelled these claims as "absolutely absurd." He argued that the Green Party is actually the only political force capable of stopping Reform in this constituency.
"To have the Labour Party trying to wade in, trying to make themselves relevant, demonstrates what a difficult week they've had and what a difficult year they've had since gaining power," Polanski remarked, highlighting Labour's perceived struggles. He also rejected Powell's suggestion that he would have stood as the candidate himself if he believed the Greens could win, stating that while he is originally from Manchester, he has lived in London for two decades and respects both Mancunians and democratic processes too much to make such a move.
Candidate Hannah Spencer Faces Abuse and Misinformation
Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer, who was accompanied by her four greyhounds during the campaign event in Granada Park, revealed to supporters that her life has changed "dramatically" since being announced as the party's by-election candidate. Beyond being recognised in local supermarkets, Spencer disclosed that she has received "quite a lot of abuse" and has been targeted by widespread misinformation.
"One of the things that's surprised me most is how many lies have been spreading about me," Spencer explained. "Whether that's because I'm apparently married to the chief executive of AstraZeneca, spoiler alert, I'm not, or the fact I'm apparently not a plumber. That one seems to be spreading absolutely everywhere." She suggested that these falsehoods indicate a lack of substantive arguments against her candidacy, stating, "I think it's really interesting that that's all that they've got to go up against us."
A Pledge to Shake Up Parliament
Spencer vowed to bring tangible change if elected, promising to make a significant impact in Westminster. "I can promise you when I strut down those corridors in Parliament as the only woman plumber to ever do that I will shake things up," she declared. "I will do that because it is time for change." Her campaign emphasises her unique background and commitment to representing the constituency with fresh perspective and practical experience.
The Full Slate of Candidates
The Gorton and Denton by-election features a competitive field of candidates from multiple parties. Hannah Spencer is contesting the seat for the Green Party, while Reform UK has selected GB News presenter Matt Goodwin as their candidate. Labour is represented by Manchester city councillor Angeliki Stogia. The Conservative candidate is retired police detective Charlotte Cadden, and the Liberal Democrats have put forward local campaigner Jackie Pearcey. This diverse lineup sets the stage for a closely watched and potentially transformative electoral contest in the constituency.
