The Green party has secured a historic victory in the Gorton and Denton byelection, dealing a significant blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour party. Hannah Spencer, a local plumber and Green councillor, became the party's first MP in northern England after overturning Labour's 13,000-vote majority.
Labour came third with 14,980 votes, behind Reform UK on 10,578 and the Greens on 20,594. The result represents a 25.4 percentage point drop in Labour's share of the vote compared with the 2024 general election. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats lost their deposits, each winning less than 2% of the vote.
In her victory speech, Spencer said people were being 'bled dry' and criticised politicians who 'constantly scapegoat and blame our communities'. She emphasised community solidarity and said she would stand up for all residents, including her Muslim friends and neighbours.
The byelection was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Andrew Gwynne in January after offensive messages he sent in a WhatsApp group emerged. Labour sources said the party had not been forgiven by many Muslim voters for its stance on Gaza, an issue the Greens capitalised on.
Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin blamed his loss on 'a coalition of Islamists and woke progressives', accusing the Greens of 'playing sectarian politics' by campaigning in Urdu. Turnout was 47.6%, slightly lower than in 2024.
