The Green Party has won the Gorton and Denton byelection, securing their first parliamentary seat north of Herefordshire with a majority of 4,402 votes. The victory marks a historic moment for the party, toppling one of Labour’s largest majorities.
Early Calm at the Count
Despite the significance of the result, a sense of calm prevailed early Friday morning at the count in the Manchester Central Convention Complex. Green activists and counting agents initially offered cautiously optimistic briefings, gradually increasing their confidence as the count progressed.
Greens Take the Lead
Before the official start of counting, it became clear the Greens had taken the lead, with the primary contest shifting to a battle between Reform and Labour for second place. The race quickly proved to be less competitive than anticipated.
Celebrations Elsewhere
Celebrations were underway at an all-night party at the Niamos Radical Arts and Cultural Centre in Hulme, where Green activists danced and celebrated. Party deputy leader, Mothin Ali, was crowdsurfed off the stage.
Turnout Mirrors General Election Levels
Labour sources initially believed their chances hinged on turnout, specifically which parts of the constituency voted. Despite byelections typically having lower turnouts, 47.62% of the electorate participated, only slightly less than the 47.8% who voted in the 2024 general election.
The turnout was driven by the presence of Reform candidate Matt Goodwin, motivating voters to either support or oppose his party. In contrast, turnout in neighboring Manchester Central, where Labour’s Lucy Powell was elected, was only 18.2%, the lowest since World War II.
Labour Concedes Defeat
Unofficially, Labour activists began conceding defeat before the counting commenced. Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, MP Andrew Western, and the party’s press officer huddled together at the back of the counting hall, reviewing data that indicated Reform was ahead in Denton and the Greens leading in the Manchester part of the constituency.
Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia arrived at the count around 3:30 am and was immediately surrounded by supporters, shielded from reporters and opposing supporters. Only Powell provided interviews to the media.
Reform’s Goodwin Expresses Concern
Reform’s Matt Goodwin arrived at 3:50 am and stated, “I think that what you’ve seen is the emergence of a dangerous sectarianism in British politics.” He expressed concern about the direction of the country and the potential impact of the byelection result.
Goodwin also claimed, “I don’t think the progressives beat us, I think the progressives were told how to vote,” alleging a “coalition of Islamists and woke progressives” influenced the outcome.
Spencer’s Victory Speech
Hannah Spencer arrived at approximately 4:10 am, appearing both shell-shocked and ecstatic during her victory speech. A cheer erupted from her supporters as her 4,402 majority was announced.
“People in their thousands told me on the doorsteps, and at the ballot box, that what we are sick of is being let down and looked down on, and we are sick of our hard work making other people rich,” Spencer said.
Spencer also appeared to criticize Reform’s Goodwin, stating, “I can’t and won’t accept this victory tonight without calling out politicians and divisive figures who constantly scapegoat and blame our communities for all the problems in society.”
The winning candidate, a plumber who recently qualified as a plasterer, joked that she might have to cancel work commitments, stating, “I’m sorry, I might have to cancel the work that you’ve booked in, because I’m heading to parliament.”
Party leader Zack Polanski, watching from the front row, declined to comment, stating he wanted to “give Hannah a hug,” before joining Spencer for selfies and brief media interviews. The pair were then escorted to the all-night celebration.
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