Hannah Spencer has stormed into Parliament as the new Green Party MP, a victory that has captivated the nation. But behind the headlines and political fervor lies a story far removed from the Westminster bubble – a life built on grit, skill, and a fierce determination to challenge the status quo.
Born and raised in Bolton, a town nestled northwest of Manchester, Spencer’s path wasn’t a traditional one. She left formal education at sixteen, briefly returning to sixth form before realizing her true calling lay elsewhere. This wasn’t a detour, but a deliberate step towards a hands-on vocation that would define her for years to come.
Today, she calls Trafford home, reportedly owning properties in Altrincham and Sale West, including one shared with a former partner. Before this, she lived in Levenshulme, a vibrant community within the Gorton and Denton constituency she now represents – a testament to her deep roots in the area.
But is the story of a politician simply a story of places lived and schools attended? For Spencer, it’s profoundly more. She is, at her core, a skilled tradeswoman. For years, she has run her own business, Hannah’s Household Plumbing, proving that expertise and practical ability aren’t confined to any single profession.
Spencer qualified as a plumber around 2008, earning a National Vocational Qualification from Bolton College. She didn’t stop there, adding an NVQ in gas engineering to her skillset and even beginning a plastering course this year. She openly discusses the challenges she’s faced as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, breaking down stereotypes with every successful repair.
Her recent victory speech was characteristically down-to-earth. With a wry smile, she apologized to her customers, jokingly admitting she might have to cancel booked jobs as she heads to Parliament. It was a moment that resonated with many, highlighting her relatable nature and the abrupt shift her life has taken.
Spencer’s journey into politics wasn’t born of ambition, but of passion. A lifelong dog lover and proud owner of four rescued greyhounds, she initially became involved in campaigning to ban dog racing, a cause close to her heart. This sparked a deeper engagement with the Green Party and a growing desire to effect change.
Her political experience quickly accelerated. Joining the Greens in 2022, she was elected as a local councillor for the Hale ward in Trafford the following year. In 2024, she boldly ran for Greater Manchester mayor, securing almost 46,000 votes and finishing fifth – a clear indication of her growing influence.
Last month, she was selected as the Green Party candidate for Gorton and Denton, entering a fiercely contested race against Labour and Reform. Her campaign centered on the need for genuinely relatable politicians, a rejection of division, and a commitment to fighting for the rights of workers, women – including trans women – and the people of Gaza.
“We need more people from all backgrounds in the places where decisions are made,” she declared during the campaign, a sentiment that clearly struck a chord with voters. Her ‘number one priority’ was to tackle the cost of living crisis and champion hope over hate.
Spencer has consistently and powerfully opposed the far right and actively called out Islamophobia. In her victory speech, she didn’t hesitate to condemn those who scapegoat communities, stating simply, “My Muslim friends and neighbours are just like me, human.” It was a powerful statement of solidarity and a clear indication of the values she will bring to Parliament.
