Starmer reels as Greens seize Labour stronghold in UK special election

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by ReutersFebruary 27, 2026 at 06:31 AM

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In a significant blow to UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, the Green Party won a special election in Gorton and Denton, a Greater Manchester constituency held by Labour for nearly a century. The defeat, considered a major electoral test, puts pressure on Starmer's leadership amid recent political turmoil. Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer secured the parliamentary seat, with the Reform UK party finishing second and Labour in third place. The loss is particularly embarrassing for Starmer, who had personally invested in winning the seat, even preventing a popular local mayor from running and campaigning in the area. Labour's leadership acknowledged the "disappointing" result, highlighting a potential shift in British two-party politics.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reform UK 40% Nigel Farage 50% Andy Burnham ×260% Hannah Spencer 70% Denton 80% Green Party 80% Gorton 80% Keir Starmer ×380% Labour Party ×490% Greater Manchester ×290%

Keywords

labour party 90% special election 90% political defeat 80% green party 70% keir starmer 70% two-party politics 60% reform uk 50% andy burnham 40% nigel farage 40%