Manchester, England – In a stunning upset that signals a shift in British politics, the Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer won a by-election in the Gorton and Denton constituency on February 26, 2026. The result marks the first-ever by-election victory for the Green Party and represents a significant blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, which had held the seat for nearly a century.
The Green Party’s Hannah Spencer secured 14,980 votes, representing 40.7% of the total, even as Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party came in second with 10,578 votes (28.7%). Labour trailed in third place, receiving 9,364 votes (25.4%), according to CNBC.
The defeat is particularly embarrassing for Starmer, who had personally campaigned in the constituency and blocked a popular local figure, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, from running. The loss puts further pressure on the Prime Minister, who is already facing calls to resign amid political turmoil and scrutiny over the latest release of Epstein files. CNN reports that Labour party chair Anna Turley described the result as “clearly disappointing.”
Hannah Spencer, a 34-year-old plumber and plasterer, delivered a victory speech emphasizing economic concerns. “Instead of working for a nice life, we’re working to line the pockets of billionaires. We are being bled dry and I don’t think it is extreme or radical to think working hard should secure you a nice life,” she said, as reported by CNBC.
The result comes after Starmer faced criticism for appointing Labour veteran Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, despite his links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Manchester Evening News reports that Starmer acknowledged the result was “disappointing” and stated he would continue to fight for those who need change.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down due to ill health after having his party membership suspended last year. The outcome in Gorton and Denton underscores the growing fragmentation of the British political landscape and could fuel further debate about the future direction of the Labour Party. The development also highlights the increasing appeal of alternative parties, like the Greens and Reform UK, to voters disillusioned with the traditional two-party system.
Prime Minister Starmer defended his premiership, stating he would “fight against extremes in politics” on both the left and the right, according to Manchester Evening News. He specifically criticized the Green Party’s positions on issues such as leaving NATO and drug legalization.
The loss of a traditionally safe Labour seat is likely to intensify speculation about a potential leadership challenge for Starmer, as the party grapples with its recent setbacks. The result could have broader implications for the upcoming general election and the overall stability of the British government.
