The Green Party has reported a surge of 15,000 new members in the week since its shock by-election victory in the former Labour stronghold of Gorton and Denton. The party, led by Zack Polanski, claims to be signing up 2,000 people daily, intensifying the crisis for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
The by-election defeat, where Labour finished third behind Reform UK, has sparked panic among Labour MPs. Many are urging Starmer to shift leftwards, particularly on immigration and welfare cuts, to win back disillusioned voters. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood faces a backlash from over 100 Labour MPs over her latest migrant crackdown, with some comparing it to US immigration enforcement.
Mahmood defended her stance, arguing that 'more Labour doesn't mean more Green.' However, Green MP Hannah Spencer, who won the seat with a majority of over 4,000, taunted Labour for failing to learn lessons. 'People don't like Labour aping Reform's grubby practice of blaming migrants for everything,' she said.
A recent YouGov poll underscores the Greens' rise, putting them on 21% support, up four points, just behind Reform on 23%. Labour has slipped to 16%, tied with the Conservatives. The Greens have also capitalised on anger over Gaza among Muslim voters.
Mahmood acknowledged the 'difficult time' for Labour, admitting the party's identity is 'bitterly contested' on migration. In a speech, she called for a return to Labour's core values, insisting the party must be 'more Labour' without veering towards the Greens or Reform.
