Green Party Selects Hannah Spencer for Gorton adn Denton By-Election, Setting Up Potential Upset
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The Green Party has chosen Hannah Spencer, a Trafford councillor and plumber, to contest the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton, positioning the party as a serious contender against both Labor and Reform UK. the nomination, officially announced Friday in Longsight, follows a democratic process involving online hustings where Spencer secured a important majority of the vote.
A plumber’s Path to Parliament
Spencer’s political background includes a previous run for Mayor of Manchester in 2024, where she finished fifth, trailing Labour’s Andy Burnham, and also candidates from the Conservative, Liberal Democrat, and Social Democratic parties. Speaking after her selection,Spencer stated,”We’re building a real campaign here to show that the Green Party can stop Reform in this byelection. I want to thank every single member and supporter who has already been out on the doorstep listening to voters.”
Internal Competition and Strategic Focus
The path to the nomination wasn’t without internal competition. Spencer reportedly defeated fesl reza-Khan, who ran in Oldham East and Saddleworth in the 2024 general election, and Sarah wakefield, a local campaigner and former general secretary of the Manchester University student union. While party co-deputy leader Mothin Ali was considered a potential candidate, he ultimately decided against running. Party leader zack Polanski, a Greater Manchester resident, also opted to focus on a future parliamentary seat in London.
Polanski expressed strong confidence in Spencer’s abilities, stating, “Hannah Spencer will be a brilliant MP for the people of Gorton and Denton. I’m a Mancunian and know when someone genuinely wants to roll up their sleeves and work for the community. hannah is that person.”
Labour’s Challenges and the Rise of Reform
The Greens are now the second party to announce a candidate, following Reform UK’s selection of conservative commentator and former academic Matt Goodwin on January 27th. Labour is expected to reveal its candidate on Saturday, but the party’s initial reluctance to endorse Andy Burnham has created an opening for both the greens and Reform.
According to sources within the Labour party, the situation has positioned the Greens and Reform as the current frontrunners. One senior official framed the contest as a “battle for the soul of our nation,” with Polanski asserting that the Greens could have won even against Burnham.
Ground Game Concerns and Strategic Alliances
Labour is mounting a considerable campaign, emphasizing its position as the sole credible left-wing option to Reform. Though, a Labour source acknowledged the Greens’ strengths in online engagement, while highlighting their perceived weaknesses in local organization. “The Greens have no councillors and no data, which will make a big difference,” the source stated. “They have a good social media game but no ground game.”
The Labour campaign is being spearheaded by deputy leader Lucy powell, with support from other cabinet ministers and the anticipated involvement of Andy Burnham. Reform’s choice of Matt Goodwin, the source added, has “really galvanised our activists.”
Polanski has downplayed the possibility of a formal alliance with the Your Party, despite the presence of Your Party member and campaigner Salma Yaqoob as a guest speaker at the Green Party’s campaign launch, alongside former party leader Natalie Bennett.
Endorsements and Demographic Considerations
The green Party has received a significant early endorsement from the Muslim Vote, a pressure group citing concerns over the stances of other parties regarding the Gaza war. The Greens are hoping this support will resonate with Muslim voters, who comprise roughly 30% of the constituency’s population.
however, sources close to the campaign suggest the endorsement may have initially been predicated on the nomination of either Mothin Ali or fesl Reza-Khan, both practicing Muslims, though it is unlikely to be withdrawn despite Spencer’s victory.
A By-Election Triggered by Ill Health
The by-election was called following the resignation of Andrew Gwynne due to ill health, creating an opportunity for a significant shift in the political landscape of Gorton and denton.
