The Green Party has officially launched its campaign for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election with a clear and urgent message: stop Reform UK from gaining ground. The party unveiled Councillor Hannah Spencer, a 34-year-old plumber, as their candidate in a move that underscores their strategy to position themselves as the primary alternative to both Labour and the surging Reform party.
A Direct Challenge to Reform's Momentum
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, himself a Mancunian, made the announcement during a visit to the Greater Manchester constituency. He framed the by-election as a critical juncture, declaring, "We have just days to stop Reform and make hope normal again." This rhetoric highlights the Greens' attempt to capitalise on perceived weaknesses in Labour's support base, as recent polls suggest Sir Keir Starmer's party is facing declining popularity in the area.
Electoral Context and Stakes
The seat was previously held by Labour, who secured a decisive victory in the 2024 general election with over half the vote, tallying 18,555 ballots. However, the results revealed a tight race for second place, with Nigel Farage's Reform UK narrowly edging out the Greens by just 332 votes—Reform received 5,142 votes compared to the Greens' 4,810. This close margin has intensified the Greens' focus on preventing a Reform breakthrough, positioning the by-election as a binary choice between progressive values and what they label as divisive politics.
Candidate Profile and Campaign Pitch
Councillor Hannah Spencer, in her acceptance speech, echoed Polanski's sentiments, stating, "This is a crucial by-election. The choice is clear – Green v Reform. Hope v hate. Only the Green Party can stop Reform in this by-election." Her background as a plumber is being emphasised to connect with working-class voters and underscore a hands-on, community-focused approach. Polanski praised her dedication, saying, "Hannah Spencer will be a brilliant MP for the people of Gorton and Denton. I'm a Mancunian and know when someone genuinely wants to roll up their sleeves and work for the community. Hannah is that person."
Reform's Counter-Campaign Efforts
Meanwhile, Reform UK is not standing idle. Nigel Farage joined their candidate, Matt Goodwin—a GB News presenter and former academic—for a walkabout in Denton on Friday morning, signalling their commitment to contesting the seat vigorously. This sets the stage for a highly competitive and politically charged by-election, with both parties vying for the support of disaffected Labour voters and the broader electorate.
The Greens' strategy appears to be a calculated effort to supplant Labour as the main opposition to Reform in this constituency, leveraging local issues and a grassroots candidate to build momentum. As the campaign intensifies, all eyes will be on Gorton and Denton to see if this 'stop Reform' message resonates with voters in the final days leading up to the vote.
