Labour anxiety and accusations after big shift in Muslim vote to Greens

In a recent byelection in Gorton and Denton, the Green party achieved a significant victory, sparking concern and debate within Westminster. The Green candidate, Hannah Spencer, won by a wider margin than expected due to a notable shift in Muslim voters away from the Labour party. This outcome has led to criticism and accusations among opposition parties, who perceive a potential realignment in British politics. The Prime Minister has criticized what he calls "sectarian politics" in response to the byelection results. Experts suggest the Green party's success is partly attributable to their growing left-wing political organization and its appeal to Muslim voters. The Labour party may be concerned about the Greens' emerging political power.

Keir Starmer is facing internal pressure after Labour's humiliating byelection loss in Gorton and Denton, where the Green Party candidate, Hannah Spencer, overturned a 13,000 Labour majority. The defeat, in a traditionally Labour area, has prompted calls for Starmer to change course to address the loss of left-leaning voters. Some within the party suggest Starmer could face a leadership challenge after upcoming elections in May if Labour's performance doesn't improve. While Starmer has dismissed the Green Party's victory as unreplicable in a general election, some Labour figures are urging immediate action to address the party's declining support. The byelection result has intensified concerns about Starmer's leadership and Labour's future prospects.

In a significant upset, the Green party's Hannah Spencer won the Gorton and Denton byelection, defeating Labour in a constituency they have held for nearly a century. Spencer, a local plumber, became the Green party's first MP in northern England, overturning Labour's previous majority. Labour finished third, behind Reform UK, experiencing a substantial drop in their vote share. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats both lost their deposits. The byelection was triggered by the resignation of the previous Labour MP, Andrew Gwynne. Spencer's victory marks a milestone for the Green party, establishing them as a credible political force and raising questions about Labour's strategy and voter base.

In a UK by-election held on February 27, 2026, the Green Party's Hannah Spencer won the parliamentary seat in Gorton and Denton, a former Labour stronghold in Greater Manchester. Spencer secured 40.7% of the vote, marking a significant victory for the left-wing party. The hard-right Reform candidate finished second, while the Labour Party, which previously held the seat, came in third. Analysts attribute the outcome to a fracturing of traditional two-party politics. The Green Party has presented itself as an alternative to Labour, particularly regarding issues like the conflict in Gaza, which has alienated some Labour voters. Political scientist John Curtice described the result as a "seismic moment" indicating increased uncertainty in British politics.

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.

Polls have opened in Gorton and Denton, a constituency in south-east Manchester, for a byelection characterized by a tight three-way race between the Green Party, Labour, and Reform UK. The Green Party claims to be in a close contest with Reform UK, aiming to overturn Labour's existing 13,000-vote majority. Labour is attempting to consolidate left-leaning voters, warning that a vote for the Greens could enable a Reform victory. The Green Party accuses Labour of deliberately splitting the left vote, fearing it could lead to a Reform win. The byelection features Labour's Angeliki Stogia, Reform UK's Matt Goodwin, and the Green Party's Hannah Spencer as candidates. The results of the election, triggered after Andy Burnham was prevented from standing, are expected around 4am on Friday.

The Gorton and Denton byelection in the UK is a crucial test for Labour leader Keir Starmer, occurring before expected poor results in the May local elections. Polls indicate a tight three-way race between Labour, Reform UK, and the Green Party in what was once a safe Labour seat. A Reform UK victory, with candidate Matt Goodwin, would signal that Nigel Farage's poll lead reflects genuine voter sentiment and demonstrate the party's sustained momentum. It would also undermine Labour's strategy of relying on progressive voters to unite against Reform. A Labour loss would reignite scrutiny of Starmer's decision to block Andy Burnham from contesting the seat, while a strong showing by the Green Party could spark infighting between Labour and the Greens.