By Peter Omopo
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to keep fighting after Labour suffered a crushing defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, where the Green Party secured a historic victory.
Labour fell to third place in the Greater Manchester constituency, with Reform UK finishing second. The result marks the first time the Greens have won a Westminster by-election, with 34-year-old plumber Hannah Spencer becoming the party’s first MP in the north of England.
The outcome has intensified pressure on Starmer ahead of May elections in Scotland, Wales and several English councils, now widely viewed as a key test of his leadership. Labour had held the seat for nearly a century, making the defeat particularly symbolic.
Entering the contest amid poor poll ratings and criticism over recent policy reversals, Starmer acknowledged the setback but insisted he would continue working to rebuild support. He said he was focused on “the hard yards” of turning Labour’s fortunes around.
Former deputy leader Angela Rayner described the result as a wake-up call and urged the government to be braver. Some party figures also questioned Starmer’s reported decision to block Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing in the seat.
According to the results, Green candidate Hannah Spencer won 41 per cent of the vote, a 28-point increase from the 2024 general election. Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin secured 29 per cent, up 15 points, while Labour’s Angeliki Stogia received 25 per cent, down 25 points. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats each polled two per cent, losing their deposits.
In a letter to Labour MPs, Starmer accused the Greens of pursuing divisive and sectarian politics and described their policies as extreme. He argued the party lacked the resources and activist base to replicate the victory at a general election.
Green leader Zack Polanski rejected the criticism, accusing the prime minister of smearing voters. Spencer also dismissed claims of sectarianism, saying her campaign united voters around shared concerns including the cost of living, public services and the war in Gaza. She said the victory showed the Greens could win anywhere and predicted further gains in upcoming local and Welsh Senedd elections.
The by-election was also overshadowed by reports of alleged “family voting” at polling stations. Reform UK and the Conservatives have called for investigations by Greater Manchester Police and the Electoral Commission following claims by election observers Democracy Volunteers.
Reform candidate Matt Goodwin said his party had embarrassed Labour in one of its strongest seats, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the result signalled the end of Starmer’s premiership and suggested he should resign.
Criticism of Starmer has so far largely come from known internal opponents, including Labour MPs Karl Turner, Richard Burgon and Nadia Whittome, though some unnamed MPs told BBC Radio 5 Live that he should consider stepping down. Others urged caution, warning against a leadership contest and arguing there was no obvious alternative.
The result underscores growing volatility in British politics and signals a significant breakthrough for the Green Party as it seeks to expand its parliamentary presence.
