Hannah Spencer, a 34-year-old plumber, delivered a stunning upset in the Gorton and Denton by-election, securing a victory for the Green Party and immediately apologizing to her customers.
Her message was direct and heartfelt: she might have to postpone scheduled plumbing work as she prepares to take her seat in Parliament. This unexpected turn of events highlights the dramatic shift this win represents.
The victory was celebrated with plans for a karaoke session in the constituency and a gesture of gratitude to her Muslim supporters with a visit to a local mosque for Iftar. Spencer’s speech, delivered after 4:30 am, called for others to join the Green Party and spread a message of hope.
Spencer’s win secured approximately 40.7% of the vote, a significant blow to Labour, whose share nearly halved to 25.3%. The result signals a growing appetite for alternatives to the current government.
Party leader Zack Polanski believes voters are rejecting divisive politics, emphasizing that this victory demonstrates the Green Party’s expanding reach across England and Wales. This was their 127th target seat, proving no area is off-limits.
Reform UK, fielding GB News presenter Matt Goodwin, saw a nearly 15% increase in their vote share, securing second place. However, party leader Nigel Farage has questioned the fairness of the election, alleging “sectarian voting and cheating.”
Concerns were raised by election observers regarding “family voting,” an illegal practice where voters may be influenced within the privacy of the voting booth. While Labour expressed concern, Reform’s chair downplayed the issue as “sour grapes.”
This Green Party triumph is considered a worst-case scenario for Labour, who positioned themselves as the sole barrier against Reform UK’s rise. The result suggests a challenge from populism on both the left and right of the political spectrum.
The spotlight now intensifies on Zack Polanski, who has proven a more effective communicator than his counterparts. Internal pressure within Labour may mount, potentially leading to calls for a change in leadership.
The Green Party’s platform, outlined in its 2024 manifesto and expanded under Polanski, includes proposals like a wealth tax, a carbon tax, a maximum pay ratio, a four-day work week, and exploration of universal basic income.
Further proposals include banning short-haul domestic flights, recognizing self-identification for transgender and non-binary individuals, dismantling the UK’s nuclear arsenal, establishing safe asylum routes, phasing out nuclear energy, and advocating for drug legalization, abolishing landlords, and withdrawing from NATO.
Deputy leader Lucy Powell stated the Greens successfully argued they were the best choice to prevent a Reform victory. Labour invested significant resources in retaining the seat, even blocking popular Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from running.
This decision to sideline Burnham, widely seen as a potential future leader, sparked accusations that the current leader prioritized self-preservation. Burnham subsequently offered his full support to Spencer’s campaign.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Andrew Gwynne, a former Labour MP who lost the party whip following the emergence of offensive messages. His departure due to “significant ill health” created the opportunity for this dramatic shift in the political landscape.
