Green Party Wins Gorton and Denton By-Election, Taking Votes From Labour

The Green Party won 40.7% of the vote in Gorton and Denton, their first by-election victory. This is a significant shift from Labour's traditional support.
By Newsroom | Politics, UK |

A recent by-election win by the Green Party in the Gorton and Denton constituency has highlighted a significant shift in the political landscape, potentially drawing voters away from the Labour Party. The victory, a first for the Greens in a by-election, marks a substantial moment for the party and raises questions about the future direction of the British left. While the Green Party has historically focused on environmental issues, their recent success suggests a broader appeal, particularly among voters who feel disaffected with the Labour Party's current stance.

Greens’ shift to left wins over disaffected Labour voters - 1

Election Outcome and Immediate Impact

The by-election in Gorton and Denton, a constituency long held by Labour, resulted in a decisive win for Hannah Spencer, the Green Party candidate. Spencer, a local councillor and plumber, secured 40.7 percent of the vote. This outcome is viewed as a significant blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party and its efforts to maintain its traditional support base.

Read More: Green Party Wins Gorton and Denton Election on 27 February 2026 and Takes Seat From Labour

Greens’ shift to left wins over disaffected Labour voters - 2

  • The Green Party's victory is their first in a by-election, bringing their total number of parliamentary seats to five.

  • The Reform UK party, a right-wing group, came in second place, indicating a divided political outlook within the constituency.

  • The results have been described as an "embarrassing defeat" for Labour and have emboldened those within the party and beyond who advocate for a return to more left-leaning policies.

Shifting Political Allegiances

Evidence suggests that the Green Party's recent success is linked to a perceived move by the Labour Party towards the political center. Some observers believe that Labour's current platform, particularly on issues like immigration, has alienated voters who previously supported the party.

Greens’ shift to left wins over disaffected Labour voters - 3

  • The Green Party has actively broadened its policy agenda beyond environmentalism to directly challenge Labour on the left.

  • Concerns over the cost of living and foreign policy decisions, including the conflict in Gaza, have been cited as reasons for voter discontent with Labour.

  • Some Labour lawmakers, such as Richard Burgon, have voiced criticism that the party's strategy of appealing to the center ground has alienated its traditional supporters. Burgon stated that the current approach has "alienated so many people who have voted Labour previously."

Voter Discontent and Green Party's Appeal

The Gorton and Denton by-election results point to a segment of the electorate, including working-class and Muslim voters, seeking alternatives to Labour. The Green Party appears to be filling this void by offering a more distinct left-wing platform.

Greens’ shift to left wins over disaffected Labour voters - 4

  • Hannah Spencer's candidacy was seen as capitalizing on discontent, with her strong local connections highlighted as a factor.

  • Reform UK also made notable gains in white working-class neighborhoods, demonstrating a complex political dynamic.

  • The Green Party's positioning as an alternative that champions values previously associated with Labour is resonating with some voters.

Internal Labour Party Dynamics

The Green Party's gains are not going unnoticed within the Labour Party itself. The by-election result is likely to amplify calls for a strategic shift.

  • Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, suggested that Labour may have "already blown it" in constituencies like Gorton and Denton.

  • There are indications that Labour's shift to the right is causing internal friction, with some members urging a renewed focus on left-wing policies.

  • While the Greens have seen some Labour councillors defect, they have not yet attracted any serving Members of Parliament.

Broader Implications for the Left

The Green Party's ascendance poses a direct challenge to Labour's dominance on the left of the political spectrum. This fragmentation of the left vote is a significant development.

Read More: Green Party Wins Gorton and Denton, Labour Faces Voter Concern

  • Some analyses suggest that the Greens could potentially replace Labour as the leading party of the left, though this remains uncertain.

  • The strategy of Labour attempting to "ape Reform" or shift away from left-wing positions is seen by some as a flawed approach that risks further alienating voters.

  • The Green Party's growing popularity, especially in areas like inner London where they are polling closely with Labour, underscores this challenge.

Expert Commentary

The shifting political landscape has drawn commentary from political analysts and figures within the parties themselves.

"The sentiment was not lost on the Green Party, whose origins were in environmental campaigning but which has widened its policy offer to directly challenge Labour on the left." - US News

"Cosying up to the rich and powerful, and protecting their interests whilst attacking ordinary working people and the left has singularly failed." - Richard Burgon, Labour lawmaker, quoted on X.

"The result 'means ditching the approach of trying to ape Reform and kicking the left', adding the strategy had 'alienated so many people who have voted Labour previously'." - US News

"Progressive Greens win closely watched election in one-time Labour stronghold, while right-wing Reform comes second." - Al Jazeera

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Green Party's victory in Gorton and Denton represents a tangible challenge to Labour's long-standing electoral strength. The success of Hannah Spencer and the Green Party's broader platform indicates a segment of the electorate is seeking alternatives to Labour's current direction. The key questions moving forward revolve around:

  • Whether the Green Party can sustain this momentum and translate by-election gains into wider electoral success.

  • How the Labour Party will respond to this challenge and whether it will reassess its strategic positioning on the left.

  • The long-term implications of a fragmented left vote for the overall political balance in the UK.

The evidence gathered indicates a significant shift in voter sentiment, with the Green Party emerging as a viable challenger to Labour's traditional base. The extent of this shift and its lasting impact on British politics remain subjects for further observation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Green Party win the Gorton and Denton by-election on February 27, 2026?
The Green Party won because many voters, especially those who previously voted Labour, are unhappy with Labour's current policies. They feel Labour has moved too far to the center and isn't focusing enough on left-wing issues or concerns like the cost of living and foreign policy.
Q: How many votes did the Green Party get in the Gorton and Denton by-election?
Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer received 40.7 percent of the vote. This win is the Green Party's first ever by-election victory and gives them a fifth seat in Parliament.
Q: What does this Green Party win mean for the Labour Party?
This loss is seen as an embarrassing defeat for Labour and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. It shows that the Green Party is taking votes away from Labour's traditional supporters, raising questions about Labour's strategy and future direction.
Q: Which other parties did well in the Gorton and Denton by-election?
Reform UK, a right-wing party, came in second place in the by-election. This shows that voters in the area are divided, with some looking for alternatives on both the left and the right of the political spectrum.
Q: Why are some Labour voters choosing the Green Party instead?
Some voters feel Labour has moved too far to the political center and is not representing their views on issues like immigration, the cost of living, or foreign policy. The Green Party is seen by some as offering a clearer left-wing alternative that aligns better with their values.