British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced a major political setback after the Green Party of England and Wales secured a surprise victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election in Manchester, a seat long considered a Labour stronghold.
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Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer won 40.7 per cent of the vote, defeating candidates from both Labour and Reform UK. Reform UK finished second with 28.7 per cent, while Labour was pushed into third place with 25.4 per cent, marking a dramatic shift in voter support.
Now that’s what you call an emphatic win for the Greens in Gorton & Denton. Voters very clearly chose to reject the divineness of Reform and Labour.
Congratulations to new Green MP, Hannah Spencer. pic.twitter.com/lnmFO9XnpG
— Jason Reid (@JasonReidx) February 27, 2026
The loss is particularly significant as Labour had dominated the constituency for nearly a century. Political analysts described the result as a turning point, highlighting growing voter dissatisfaction and weakening loyalty to traditional parties. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne due to health reasons.
The defeat increases pressure on Starmer, who has faced criticism over economic challenges, policy reversals, and controversial appointments. Despite the setback, Starmer has vowed to continue leading the party and focus on upcoming regional and local elections scheduled for May.
The result also reflects broader changes in British politics, with smaller and emerging parties gaining momentum. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has gained national attention, while the Greens continue to expand their presence in Parliament. With this victory, the Green Party now holds five seats in the House of Commons.
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The by-election outcome signals increasing political fragmentation in the UK, challenging the long-standing dominance of Labour and the Conservative Party. Analysts say the result could reshape political strategies ahead of future elections, as voters increasingly turn to alternative parties amid economic uncertainty and shifting political priorities.