Greens Express Confidence as Counting Commences in Gorton and Denton
The Green Party appeared buoyant and self-assured as the vote count got underway in the crucial Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election. Zack Polanski's party indicated that "things are feeling positive," while Labour insiders conceded that the Greens "have been able to turn out support" effectively throughout the contest. This election, held on Thursday, could herald a historic breakthrough for the Greens if they secure their first ever victory in a parliamentary by-election.
Potential Seismic Shift in UK Politics
Labour previously won Gorton and Denton in the 2024 general election with over half of the votes cast, but the atmosphere at the Manchester Central counting venue suggested an uphill struggle for their candidate Angeliki Stogia. In contrast, the Greens' Hannah Spencer seemed poised for a potential triumph. A party source described a possible win as a "seismic moment" in British politics, signalling a significant realignment. Such an outcome would severely undermine Labour's claim to be the sole viable option for anti-Reform voters, instead bolstering the Greens' credibility on that front.
A Green Party insider told the Press Association: "Things are feeling positive. Whatever happens, I think it's fair to say that Greens are here to stay now as a progressive voice in British politics. I think it's a seismic moment in British politics where Greens are showing that they're a party that can protect the country from the threat of Reform, and that Labour's not up to the job."
Labour Faces Major Setback in Stronghold
A defeat in this long-time Labour stronghold in Greater Manchester would represent a major blow to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. It would reignite speculation about the Prime Minister's position, which has already come under intense pressure due to the Lord Peter Mandelson scandal, a series of departures from Number 10, and Labour's plummeting popularity in recent polls. The decision to block potential leadership rival Andy Burnham from running would also likely face renewed criticism.
Labour sources sounded more downbeat, telling the Press Association: "Early signs at the count indicate the Greens have been able to turn out support in a way they wouldn't be able to replicate at a general election." Despite this, Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley earlier stated she was "really optimistic" about Labour's chances, but cautioned that "incumbent governments always find it difficult to fight by-elections." Party sources noted that more than a thousand Labour activists were deployed across the constituency, engaging with more voters than on any previous by-election polling day.
Context and Electoral History
This by-election was triggered by former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne standing down for health reasons. The contest was viewed as a tight three-way race between Reform's Matt Goodwin, Labour, and the Greens. Turnout on Thursday was recorded at 47.6%, broadly consistent with the 47.8% figure from the 2024 general election. Labour lost the only other Westminster by-election since the 2024 general election, in Runcorn and Helsby, to Nigel Farage's Reform UK back in May of last year.
Allegations of Family Voting Raise Concerns
Following the close of polls, the election observer group Democracy Volunteers issued a warning, stating it had witnessed family voting—an illegal practice where two voters use one polling booth and potentially direct each other on how to vote—in 68% of the polling stations it monitored. The group's director, John Ault, told the Press Association that this data, compared to other recent by-elections, was "extremely high" and that it is "a normal international standard not to issue a comment until after voting has finished."
Labour's Anna Turley described the report as "extremely worrying and concerning," while Reform's Nigel Farage suggested it raised "questions about the integrity of the democratic process in predominantly Muslim areas." Greens leader Zack Polanski indicated he would support an investigation into the issue. In response, Manchester City Council stated that no issues had been officially reported and expressed disappointment that Democracy Volunteers waited until after polls closed to make their claims.
