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

The Green Party got 14,980 votes, which is 4,402 more than the second-place party. This is the first time the Greens have ever won a by-election for a seat in Parliament.
By Newsroom | Politics, Manchester |

A recent by-election in Gorton and Denton has resulted in a significant political shift, with the Green Party securing a historic win and unseating the Labour Party from a long-held seat. This outcome marks the Green Party's first-ever victory in a Westminster by-election and represents a considerable blow to the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer. The election saw the Green Party candidate, Hannah Spencer, triumph over Reform UK and Labour, highlighting a notable change in voter preference within the constituency.

Context of the Election

The Gorton and Denton by-election was triggered by the vacancy of a parliamentary seat. The contest was largely framed as a three-way battle between the Green Party, Labour, and Reform UK. Labour had held the seat for a considerable period, with a substantial majority dating back to previous elections. The Green Party, under the leadership of Zack Polanski, had positioned itself as a credible alternative, particularly to left-leaning voters, while Reform UK represented a challenge from the right.

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PM calls byelection loss ‘very disappointing’ as new Green MP Hannah Spencer says voters rejected hate – UK politics live - 1

  • Labour's Stronghold: Gorton and Denton had been a secure Labour seat for nearly a century.

  • Green Party's Ambition: The Green Party aimed to leverage a perceived "Starmer slump" to gain support.

  • Reform UK's Challenge: Reform UK was also a significant contender in the race.

  • Previous Election Data: In the 2024 election, nearly 80% of voters in Gorton and Denton supported parties on the left. Labour's majority in the constituency was 13,413 votes.

Key Figures and Campaign Dynamics

Hannah Spencer, a local plumber and councillor, emerged as the victorious Green Party candidate. Her background and campaign resonated with voters, and she is now the Green Party's fifth Member of Parliament and its first in northern England.

Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, expressed disappointment with the result, calling it "very disappointing" and vowing to "keep fighting." However, the outcome has led to questions about his leadership and the party's strategy.

PM calls byelection loss ‘very disappointing’ as new Green MP Hannah Spencer says voters rejected hate – UK politics live - 2

Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, highlighted the party's aim to win "anywhere" and suggested that voters rejected "hate." He emphasized the Greens' role as a credible alternative to Reform UK.

Reform UK, running a strong second, also presented a significant challenge to Labour.

PM calls byelection loss ‘very disappointing’ as new Green MP Hannah Spencer says voters rejected hate – UK politics live - 3

Election Results and Vote Count

The final results showed Hannah Spencer of the Green Party winning with 14,980 votes. This secured a majority of 4,402 votes and overturned Labour's substantial prior majority.

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PartyVotes
Green Party14,980
Reform UK10,578
Labour Party9,364

  • Green Party Victory: Achieved its first-ever Westminster by-election win.

  • Reform UK Second: Secured a notable second-place finish.

  • Labour Third: Fell to third place, a significant setback for the party.

The Green Party's victory in Gorton and Denton is a significant event, marking their first win in a Westminster by-election and unseating a long-standing Labour stronghold.

PM calls byelection loss ‘very disappointing’ as new Green MP Hannah Spencer says voters rejected hate – UK politics live - 4

Voter Sentiment and Messaging

Hannah Spencer stated that voters "rejected hate" and indicated a desire for politicians to regain trust. She also vowed to fight "extremes in politics on the right and on the left."

  • Focus on "Everyday People's Frustrations": Spencer's campaign was noted for speaking to the concerns of ordinary citizens.

  • Labour's Strategy Questioned: Labour's tactic of suggesting a vote for the Greens was "in effect, a vote for Reform" did not yield the expected results.

  • Shift in Muslim Voter Support: Reports suggest a shift in support among Muslim voters, with some citing Keir Starmer's positions on Gaza as a reason for moving away from Labour.

"If Keir Starmer is seen as a block when you go out and knock on doors - if people say to you, they’ll vote Labour, but they won’t vote Labour if he’s the leader – then he’s the block to us winning."

Analysis of Labour's Performance

The outcome is a significant setback for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party. The loss in a traditional stronghold raises questions about the party's appeal and electoral strategy.

  • "Starmer Slump": Some analysis suggests a "Starmer slump" may be impacting Labour's performance.

  • Echoes of Previous Losses: The situation bears some resemblance to the Caerphilly by-election, where Labour also lost despite a similar strategy.

  • Pressure on Leadership: The defeat intensifies pressure on Starmer to address internal party dynamics and potentially empower the left of the party.

"Labour MPs have said for weeks that the outcome they most feared at the Gorton and Denton byelection was a Green party victory."

Green Party's Position and Future Implications

The Green Party's success in Gorton and Denton positions them as a more formidable political force. Their victory demonstrates an ability to win in diverse constituencies.

  • "No-Go Areas" Challenged: Hannah Spencer stated there are "no no-go areas right across England and Wales" for the Greens.

  • Alternative to Reform UK: The Green Party is seen as a credible alternative to Reform UK, particularly for voters seeking an anti-establishment or left-leaning option.

  • Impact on Upcoming Elections: The result may influence voter behavior in upcoming local and devolved elections.

"Hannah Spencer has become the Green Party's fifth MP in parliament, after beating Reform UK, who finished second, and Labour, who came third, to the seat."

Expert Commentary

Commentators have described the result as "humiliating" for Labour and a "seismic" event for British politics. Labour donor Dale Vince urged the party to learn lessons from the by-election.

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

"The Greens’ convincing win in the Manchester seat gives the leftwing party its best byelection result and its first northern seat."

Conclusion

The Gorton and Denton by-election has delivered a historic win for the Green Party and a stark warning to the Labour Party. Hannah Spencer's victory signifies a significant shift in the political landscape, with the Greens establishing themselves as a serious contender capable of overturning large majorities in traditional Labour heartlands. Keir Starmer faces increased scrutiny over his leadership and the party's electoral direction. The contest also highlights the evolving voter allegiances, with Reform UK continuing to present a strong challenge from the right, and the Green Party solidifying its position as a significant force on the left. The implications of this result are likely to be felt in future elections as parties reassess their strategies in light of this unexpected outcome.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the Gorton and Denton by-election on 27 February 2026?
Hannah Spencer from the Green Party won the election with 14,980 votes. She is now the first Green Party member to win a by-election for the UK Parliament.
Q: How many votes did the Green Party get in the Gorton and Denton election?
The Green Party received 14,980 votes, giving them a lead of 4,402 votes over Reform UK. The Labour Party finished in third place with only 9,364 votes.
Q: Why did the Labour Party lose the Gorton and Denton seat after 100 years?
Many voters were unhappy with Labour leader Keir Starmer and his choices regarding Gaza. This caused many people who usually vote Labour to pick the Green Party instead.
Q: Who is Hannah Spencer, the new Member of Parliament for Gorton and Denton?
Hannah Spencer is a local plumber and a city councillor who now represents the area in Parliament. She promised to work for normal people and stop extreme politics on both sides.
Q: What does the Green Party win in Manchester mean for UK politics?
This win shows that the Green Party can now win in northern England, not just in the south. It also shows that the Labour Party is losing support in areas they have controlled for a long time.