Green Party Wins Gorton and Denton By‑Election with Labour Third

Published: 27 February 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

In a major political upset that could reverberate across British politics, the Green Party has won the Gorton and Denton by‑election, overturning a once‑safe Labour seat and relegating the governing Labour Party into third place behind Reform UK. The result represents a significant disruption of traditional party loyalties in a constituency that Labour had held comfortably since its creation.

Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer secured 14,980 votes (40.6 per cent), giving her a majority of 4,402 over her nearest rival, Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin, who took 10,578 votes (28.7 per cent). Labour’s Angeliki Stogia finished third with 9,364 votes (25.4 per cent) — a dramatic reversal from the 2024 general election, when Labour held the seat with a strong majority.

The by‑election was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down for health reasons. The Greens’ victory marks the party’s first ever parliamentary by‑election win and adds to their growing representation in the House of Commons, signalling heightened political fragmentation ahead of the May local elections.

The outcome is a significant blow to Labour leader Keir Starmer, who had campaigned to retain the seat. Labour’s decline to third place has intensified internal party scrutiny over leadership strategy and candidate selection after the national executive committee blocked former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from contesting the seat.

Reform UK’s strong second‑place showing underscores the continuing strength of Nigel Farage’s party as a disruptive force on the right, capitalising on voter discontent with mainstream parties. Reform’s performance reflects a broader realignment in British politics, where traditional binaries between Labour and the Conservatives are breaking down in some constituencies.

In her victory speech, Spencer emphasised community priorities and economic fairness while promising to represent all constituents irrespective of political preference. Analysts describe the result as a “seismic moment” that highlights shifting voter priorities and the appeal of alternatives to the two major parties.

The result has sparked debate over the future direction of British politics, raising questions about Labour’s ability to maintain support among traditionally loyal voters and the potential for smaller parties to reshape the electoral landscape.

Read More At>>