Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to “keep fighting” following a major blow to his premiership after Labour were defeated by the Greens in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
The prime minister said the loss was “very disappointing” but insisted he understood voters are “frustrated” and “impatient for change”.
It comes after Angela Rayner said Labour’s defeat must be a “wake up call” for the party as she called for a “braver” approach to politics.
The humiliating loss saw Labour come in third after the Green’s Hannah Spencer stormed to victory.
Speculation is mounting over a leadership challenge from Ms Rayner, whose supporters back her to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski said the result showed there are now no “no-go areas” for the party in England and Wales, as he vowed that his party will “do it all again” at the local elections in May.
The mammoth defeat is a major blow to the prime minister’s ailing authority and will spark further questions over his leadership of the party, amid devastating approval ratings.
Speaking to The Independent, Labour MP Brian Leishman called on Sir Keir to go “for the good of the UK and the party”.
The victory is the Greens’ first-ever in a parliamentary by-election and comes despite Labour having won Gorton and Denton in 2024 with more than half the vote.
Gorton and Denton by-election
- Result must be 'wake up call' for Labour, Angela Rayner says
- Labour MP slams Starmer for 'catastrophic' loss
- Labour MP calls on Starmer to go ‘for good of UK and party’
- Analysis: This result will spell Keir Starmer's end
- Winner Hannah Spencer says Greens 'defeated the parties of billionaire donors'
- Polanski says by-election has potential to ‘transform face of British politics’
- Greens win Gorton and Denton by-election
- PM vows to 'keep on fighting' after Labour by-election defeat
Watch: Keir Starmer speaks out as Labour defeated in Gorton and Denton by-election
11:29 , Nicole Wootton-CaneKemi Badenoch claims that ‘monster’ Labour created has ‘come back to bite them’
11:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, whose party lost its deposit in the Gorton and Denton by-election for the first time since 1983, has lashed out at Labour claiming it was at fault for creating “the monster of harvesting Muslim community bloc votes”.
In a shocking social media post, Ms Badenoch said: “Yesterday that monster came back to bite them. As I've said many times before, we are a multiracial country, not a multicultural country.
“If you stir up grievance politics between groups based on religion or race, as Labour have done for decades, as Reform are seeking to do, and as the Greens have done successfully in this by-election, you are pitting neighbours against each other and you start to unravel the culture of tolerance that makes Britain great.”
She added: “This result shows Keir Starmer’s premiership is finished. He lost authority a long time ago, a mere hostage at the mercy of a divided Labour Party that cannot decide who to replace him with. He has lost the support of his voters, his MPs and the country. He is in office but not in power. If he had any integrity he would go.”
Labour group calls for ‘immediate and fundamental reset’
11:14 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to fight on as Labour leader, but he faces a growing tidal wave of MPs within is own party pushing him towards the door.
The Mainstream Labour group, which is backed by Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, has called for an “immediate and fundamental reset”, adding: “The Gorton and Denton result is an absolute disaster for Labour. Clearly, we now risk no longer being seen as the natural home for progressive voters.”
The grouping said the loss was “avoidable”, saying it was a “catastrophic error” to block Mr Burnham from standing.
PM vows to 'keep on fighting' after Labour by-election defeat
11:03 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer said the by-election defeat was “very disappointing” but insisted he understood voters are “frustrated” and “impatient for change”.
Asked if he had considered resigning, Sir Keir Starmer said he would “keep on fighting” for the people who needed a Labour government.
Electoral Commission urges people to report potential offences to police
11:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Electoral Commission said it was aware of concerns raised over family voting and urged anyone who wants to report a potential offence to go to the police.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the report. Electoral offences are a matter for the police. We encourage anyone who believes an offence has occurred to report it to the police.
“The statutory electoral observer Code of Practice says that electoral observers may bring potential irregularities, fraud or significant problems to the attention of elected officials on the spot.
“We provide advice and guidance to Returning Officers which supports their training of electoral staff and is available to staff in polling stations to guide decision making on polling day. “
We’re ready to be as ambitious as the country is, Polanski says
10:54 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDan Haygarth reports from Manchester:
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has said his party is ready to “be as ambitious as the country is” following Hannah Spencer’s emphatic victory in Gorton and Denton.
"We currently have five MPs and getting to 30 would be a very impressive amount,” he told a press conference in Manchester.
“We need to scale up. We’ve demonstrated we have the resources to do that."
He asks: "Where is the ceiling on our ambition? We’re ready to be as ambitious as the country is."
Labour MP publicly calls for Starmer to go
10:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Labour MP Jon Trickett has told Times Radio that Keir Starmer "needs to reflect on his own position" this morning.
He is the first Labour MP to publicly call for a leadership change after the catastrophic by-election loss in Gorton and Denton.
Others are saying it privately with suggestions that a challenge could come as early as this weekend.
Analysis: Starmer hiding in the bunker
10:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
It is now six hours since the devastating Gorton and Denton by-election result was announced with the Greens and Reform pushing Labour into third place in their seventh safest seat.
But still not a word from the prime minister Keir Starmer as speculation mounts about his future in Downing Street.
Already he is persona non grata at the Scottish Labour conference today with the leader there calling for him to quit earlier this month.
One of the leading contenders to replace him as Labour leader Angela Rayner has called for a change of direction. But the PM himself remains silent.
Greens still would’ve won with Burnham standing, Polanski says
10:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Zack Polanski has said he believes the Green Party would have won the Gorton and Denton by-election - even if Andy Burnham was running.
The Green Party leader said that although the Manchester mayor being blocked ‘definitely helped’, he still “genuinely believes that Hannah Spencer would be the MP today”.
“I've changed my opinion on this during the campaign because when it first happened I was punching the air and I thought this makes this much more winnable for us,” he told Times Radio. “But actually as the weeks went by and I spoke to more and more people who used to vote Labour there is such a deep anger and frustration in this country with the Labour government that Andy Burnham is still a Labour politician.
“Sure we would have changed the campaign slightly and really pointed out Andy Burnham's links with Labour but I still genuinely believe that Hannah Spencer would be the MP today.”
Hannah Spencer: 'We can win anywhere'
10:31 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDan Haygarth reports from Manchester:
“The mission here at the Green Party is to rebuild”, says Hannah Spencer as she sends a warning to the Labour government.
The constituency’s new MP says her election is “only the beginning”, and warns the “same story” as Gorton and Denton will be shown up and down the country in May's elections.
She says: “This is only the beginning. This was 127 of Green Party target seats. There are at least 126 that we can win with a small swing than we saw here. But actually we can win anywhere.
“Something absolutely massive is happening right now”, she adds.
Polanski: Greens have 'torn roof off British politics'
10:27 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDan Haygarth reports from Gorton and Denton:
“Labour’s electoral stronghold is over”, says Zack Polanski as he introduces Hannah Spencer at the press conference.
“We have torn the roof off British politics”, he adds.
The Green leader says the “starting gun has fired on local elections”, adding Ms Spencer’s election in this seat shows the party can make gains across the country in May.
“This is an existential crisis for the Labour party”, he adds. “No longer they can try to scare people to say they have to vote for something because they are the least worst option.”
Labour MP calls for 'a clean break' from Starmer's government
10:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNorwich South MP Clive Lewis has warned that the by-election result shows Labour needs to do more than change leader but also change its approach to politics and overhaul its policies.
He said: "The by-election result is a punch in the face for the Labour Party and for Keir Starmer’s premiership.
"This government has burned its base, alienated its core vote, sidelined its activists and stuck two fingers up to the very people we came into politics to represent. And we’re surprised voters are walking away?
"Changing the leader without changing the politics would be a waste of time. The problem isn’t presentation. It’s direction. We promised change and delivered continuity. We talk tough but govern timid. We protect vested interests when we should be taking them on.
"Reform is growing because millions feel ignored and taken for granted. If we don’t offer real change, they’ll channel their anger elsewhere, as they have this week in Gorton and Denton.
"Stopping Reform now has to be the priority. But Labour can’t do that from a position of arrogance or denial. We will need to work with other progressive parties. That means cooperation. It means democratic reform. It means accepting we do not own the centre-left vote.
"None of that happens unless Labour changes fundamentally. Not tweaks. Not reshuffles. A clean break.
"If we carry on like this, we won’t just lose by-elections. We’ll lose the country for a generation."
Hannah Spencer and Zack Polanski to hold press conference after landmark win
10:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDan Haygarth reports from Gorton and Denton:
Gorton and Denton’s new MP Hannah Spencer and her party leader Zack Polanski are about to hold a press conference in the constituency.
The room is at the Crystal Suite in Gorton is filling up with journalists and bleary-eyed but jubilant party staff and activists.
Ms Spencer’s victory was driven by support in areas around where this press conference is being held, with Green Party posters still on display in windows and signs standing in front gardens.
Exclusive: New Green MP Hannah Spencer slams ‘misinformation’ about her ahead of Gorton and Denton by-election victory
10:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNew Green Party MP Hannah Spencer said she had “targeted misinformation” directed at her in the build-up to the by-election in Gorton and Denton.
Following the polls on Thursday, 26 February, the Greens received 14,980 votes, while Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin came second with 10,578, ousting Labour from a formerly safe seat.
Speaking to The Independent ahead of the by-election, Ms Spencer said that a man had walked past their party office shouting, "You're not a plumber", as she criticised those who "believe everything they've been told online".
The new MP added, " I've been challenged on most aspects of my life, my personal life. What has been surprising is how much rampant misinformation there is flying around, which has been the case since day one.”
Luke Reevey reports:
New Green MP Hannah Spencer slams ‘misinformation’ about her in lead up to polls
Pressure mounts on Starmer to move to the left
09:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
TSSA union general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust warned the defeat in Gorton and Denton was because of Keir Starmer's ",lurch to the right".
She said: "It's clear that the disastrous lurch to the right under Keir Starmer is haemorrhaging Labour votes to the Greens.
"There's an urgent need for a change in leadership, and Keir must announce his departure immediately.
"However, a simple change in leader will not be enough.
"Labour must rediscover its radical soul and start to deliver for the British public by extending public ownership of key industries like water, energy, and mail, as well as substantially increasing the minimum wage for all workers.
"Only by embracing 'Real Labour' policies, that must also include a wealth tax to fund public services, will we be able to win back support from the voters who switched from our party to the Greens."
Result must be 'wake up call' for Labour, Angela Rayner says
09:41 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Angela Rayner has said the by-election result must be a “wake up call” for Sir Keir Starmer amid speculation over a leadership challenge.
The former deputy prime minister's supporters want her to replace Keir Starmer as leader.
Commenting on the Gorton and Denton by-election she appeared to send a coded message demanding a change of direction.
She said: "This result must be a wake up call. It’s time to really listen - and to reflect.
"Voters want the change that we promised - and they voted for.
"If we want to unrig the system, if we want to make the change we were sent into Government to make, we have to be braver.
"A Labour agenda that puts people first."That’s what all of us across our movement need to rededicate ourselves to this morning."
This result must be a wake up call. It’s time to really listen - and to reflect.
— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) February 27, 2026
Voters want the change that we promised - and they voted for.
If we want to unrig the system, if we want to make the change we were sent into Government to make, we have to be braver.
A labour…
ICYMI: This morning's politics headlines in brief as Greens take Gorton and Denton
09:37 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGood morning.
If you’re just catching up with this morning’s political headlines, here’s the news in brief:
• The Green Party’s Hannah Spencer has stormed to victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election in an historic result for the party, bringing in a 4,000 vote majority
• Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin came in second, with Labour’s Angeliki Stogia in third
• One Labour MP has labelled the result “catastrophic”, whereas another has called on Sir Keir Starmer to stand down
• Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, has accused the Green Party of “sectarian voting and cheating” after it distributed leaflets in Urdu during the campaign
• The Labour Party has said the by-election loss is "clearly disappointing"
Labour making 'right long-term decisions' for country, minister insists
09:30 , Tara CobhamA minister has insisted the Labour Party is making the "right long-term decisions" for the country but accepted the message is "a hard one" for voters to accept.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, transport secretary Heidi Alexander refused to be drawn on whether the party should have fielded Andy Burnham has its candidate.
"It was a difficult and disappointing night and I'm not going to try and sugarcoat that, nor am I going to pretend that this is something we shouldn't be reflecting on," she said.
"I totally reject this notion that we have abandoned progressive values," she added. "We've had a tough few weeks of national headlines and I think the real message I take from this is that the public are impatient for change.
"We did campaign positively, we campaigned for unity over division. But I think our message to the country at the moment is a hard one. We're saying stick with us, we're making the right long-term decisions for the country, but we do realise that many of you won't yet have felt the impact of those in your day-to-day lives."
Gorton and Denton results in full: How Greens recorded historic victory over Labour and Reform
09:25 , Tara Cobham
Gorton and Denton results in full: How Greens swept to historic victory
Reform expected to do 'extremely well' in local elections, party chairman claims
09:20 , Tara CobhamReform chairman David Bull has claimed the party is expected to do "extremely well" in the upcoming local elections.
"May 7 is going to be absolutely crucial for us," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "Going back to Gorton and Denton we never expected to win that, to come second I am delighted. But we do expect to do extremely well, if you look at the map now of the parliamentary constituencies it is a turquoise sea pretty much across the east, across much of England."
He added the party is only six years old and are "learning" with every election.
Reform chairman accuses Spencer of 'handbrake turn' in victory speech
09:15 , Tara CobhamReform chairman David Bull has accused the Green Party's Hannah Spencer of doing a "handbrake turn" to "start talking about the issues that matter" during her victory speech.
Appearing on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Bull was asked whether his party had potentially faced a challenge by fielding a candidate who was an academic, as opposed to the Green candidate who is a plumber.
"I actually think Matt was a great candidate, he worked tirelessly, he was out every single day in pouring rain, he has connections to that area," he said. "On the doorstep we talked about immigration, the lack of housing, the fact young people have no aspiration, unemployment, the heart being ripped out of Gorton and Denton."
The BBC's Justin Webb suggested Hannah Spencer had managed to "take your clothes" in her victory speech highlighting similar issues to those raised by Mr Bull.
"They didn't campaign on any of that," he said. "She has done a handbrake turn this morning and started talking about the issues that matter. I think the reality has hit. Being an MP is a great privilege but at the same time you have to deal with the nuts and bolts of your constituents like making sure the economy works, that the local area is looked after, all the more mundane stuff, that is the workload of a constituency MP. Maybe the reality has just bitten that Gaza is not top of the list for the people of Gorton and Denton."
Labour MP slams Starmer for 'catastrophic' loss
09:12 , Tara CobhamA Labour MP has slammed Sir Keir Starmer for their party’s “catastrophic” loss as the Green Party snatched the formerly safe seat of Gorton and Denton away.
Karl Turner told BBC’s Today programme this morning: “It’s catastrophic, isn’t it? That’s the truth. It couldn’t be any worse.”
Union leader says Starmer going after May is now 'unavoidable'
09:10 , Tara CobhamFire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright has warned that the Gorton and Denton by-election result has underlined Labour's failed strategy in government.
Mr Wright said: "Labour’s entire strategy of framing politics as 'it’s us v Reform' is in tatters after its very first electoral test. That approach was rooted in a cabinet pursuing a politically rightward agenda and telling voters they only needed to be marginally less bad than the alternative. That has now been exposed as a fundamentally flawed and unserious strategy.
"The party’s traditional core vote is collapsing before our eyes. This result represents a halving of the vote compared to 2024. That should set alarm bells ringing across the labour movement.
If the government does not change course immediately, it will face heavy losses in the May elections, and at that point, the political consequences for Keir Starmer will become unavoidable. The game will be up unless there is a decisive shift in direction.
"The Labour Party needs to listen to the people, not Parliament. It needs to listen to its members and affiliated unions, not corporate lobbyists. And it must end the now completely discredited factionalism that has come to define far too much of its internal culture and decision-making.
"Only by breaking with this approach and re-embracing a programme that speaks clearly and confidently for working people can Labour begin to rebuild trust and support."
Analysis: This result is about more than one seat
09:05 , Tara CobhamWhitehall editor Kate Devlin writes:
Last week, a Labour MP who had been out campaigning in Gorton and Denton told me: “I think there is a strong anti-Reform vote. I just don’t know if it is coming to us”.
Last night’s result, in which Labour came third, would suggest much of it did not.
Many within Labour had been hoping that when it comes to a general election they could harness that anti-Farage vote.
But they face a challenge from other parties, including the Lib Dems, the SNP and Plaid Cymru as well as the Greens.
Many senior Labour figures spent much of their annual conference this year hitting out at Reform and presenting themselves as the party that offers an alternative.
Insiders still say that is true - that this result still shows a large anti-Reform vote and that governing parties often do badly in by-elections.
But leading polling expert John Curtice appeared to point out the problem and he told the BBC today that with both running at 20% or less in the polls “the Conservative-Labour duopoly that has long dominated post-war British politics has never looked weaker.”
Feeling of end of an era as voters in Gorton wake up
09:00 , Tara CobhamDan Haygarth reports from Gorton and Denton:
As voters in Gorton wake up to a new MP, there’s a feeling of an end to an era here.
People in this constituency - and its previous iterations - have always been loyal to Labour and the party came into this by-election defending a 13,000 majority. But voters turned away in their droves.
The mood among constituents I’ve spoken to so far this morning is that the bruising third place in this by-election spells the end for Keir Starmer’s Labour, described by one voter as representing the ‘Westminster establishment’ rather than a northern heartland seat like this.
Lifelong Labour man John Tiplady, 65, didn’t vote for them this time and was not won over by the winning Greens either, instead choosing to vote for the Monster Raving Looney Party in protest. Labour could’ve kept his vote, however, if Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham hadn’t been blocked for standing as candidate, he said. That decision may have cost the party this seat.
It’s time for a new leader, John believes, one who can return Labour to its roots and speak for voters like him.
Joshua Martins, 54, agreed. He voted for Angeliki Stogia but believes Starmer has no choice but to resign after losing the confidence of voters in an area which has always backed Labour.
Polanski denies 'playing to racism' over Modi pictures in election campaign
08:55 , Tara CobhamZack Polanski has denied “playing to racism” by including a picture of Sir Keir Starmer shaking hands with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in an election video in Gorton and Denton.
Mr Polanski was accused of stoking "sectarianism" and "deliberately fuelling the anger of a large number of muslim voters" by putting the picture of the prime minister with Modi, a Hindu nationalist, in election videos.
"The point is about international human rights," Mr Polanski told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "I'm a Jewish man, as there are only five Jewish people in British history who have led a political party so I take antisemitism really seriously. Keir Starmer is having meetings with Benjamin Netanyahu, with Modi, and with Trump - there is a pattern to the people Keir Starmer is pally with.
He was challenged by the BBC's Nick Robinson who asked him "was it not to play to the racism of some voters?".
"I think the question is verging on racism itself," he said. "Modi is an authoritarian who whether you're Jewish, Muslim, or non-faith, should have problems with the authoritarianism that Keir Starmer is working with in cosy ways. That's very different to diplomatic relationships."
Mr Robinson asked: "So you deny playing to racism?"
Mr Polanski said: "I absolutely deny playing to racism. What I'm talking about there is peace, human rights, and calling out the bad decisions of this prime minister and this government and the kind of people he's not just working with but cosying up with and making deals with, whereas we're not working with other people such as our European neighbours in the way that we should."
Pain for Starmer set to continue in Scotland – in his absence
08:50 , Tara CobhamPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
Keir Starmer had already ducked going to the Scottish Labour conference which is taking place today after Scottish leader Anas Sarwar called on him to step down.
But now Mr Sarwar’s intervention earlier this month is going to play out again after Labour’s humiliating by-election performance.
The Scottish Labour leader can not ignore the question over Sir Keir’s future when he gives his own speech at 2pm.
And the absence of the PM himself only underlines his unpopularity and precarious position as leader and prime minister.
Watch: Who is Hannah Spencer? The plumber-turned-MP who won historic Gorton and Denton by-election
08:45 , Tara Cobham‘Stop listening to your rich mates’, major trade union tells Labour
08:40 , Tara CobhamOne of the UK’s largest trade unions and a financial donor to the Labour Party has said Labour needs to “stop listening to your rich mates and start listening to everyday people”.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the Gorton and Denton by-election is “clearly” a wake up call for the party, and urged them to “ditch the gimmicks and get back to being Labour”.
“Not new, not one that plays games, but real Labour,” she said.
"Workers and families are hurting. We have a cost of living crisis largely being ignored and investment in jobs for the here-and-now being blocked by a Treasury that doesn't seem to understand the basics of what is needed to build Britain.
"Stop listening your rich mates and start listening to everyday people."
Gorton and Denton was Green's 127th target seat, Polanski says
08:35 , Tara CobhamThe Green Party leader has said Gorton and Denton was number 127 on the Green Party's target seats as he called Hannah Spencer's win "incredible".
"This is our 127th target seat. It's pretty incredible that this used to be a Labour safe seat. Their MP used to be a plumber, she was a plasterer - now she's a parliamentarian."
When asked if he was "seriously" talking about taking power with just five MPs, Mr Polanski insisted the result "isn't about power in Westminster" but an "alternative in the constituency".
"This is about an MP who will actually hold the prime minister to account, an MP who will put forward different proposals," he said. "The Green Party are really clear where our values stand and I believe that's the alternative to a Labour government."
Minister insists by-election result won’t affect next general election
08:30 , Tara CobhamA minister has insisted that there is “no read across” from a by-election result to a general election.
Transport minister Heidi Alexander said she believes the Green Party’s offering “won’t survive contact with the national electorate’, despite the party having won one of Labour’s safest seats in Gorton and Denton.
“If you actually look at swings against the Labour government of 1997 in by-elections, there were some very significant swings against the Labour Party then, and of course, in 2001 Tony Blair went on to win a resounding majority,” Ms Alexander told LBC.
“That's why I say I don't think that there's a direct read across, and I do think that the offer of the Green Party won't survive contact with the national electorate.”
Manchester voted to reject 'divisive' Reform, Polanski says
08:25 , Tara CobhamSpeaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Green Party leader Zack Polanski said Manchester wanted to reject the "divisive" politics of Reform.
"I think they're telling us that they want an alternative to this failing Labour government, and also Manchester wanted to reject the divisive and extreme politics of Reform," he said.
He told the programme he believes Hannah Spencer won emphatically because she "had a plan to lower bills, protect our NHS, and rebuild our public services".
Mr Polanski added the result meant there is now no "no go area" for the Green Party in England and Wales.
Watch: Lucy Powell upstaged by Monster Raving Loony Party candidate in pig nose during live interview
08:20 , Tara CobhamGreens calls Farage's claims of 'sectarian voting and cheating' attempt to undermine democracy
08:18 , Tara CobhamThe Green Party said Nigel Farage’s claims of “sectarian voting and cheating” were an attempt to undermine a democratic result in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
A Greens spokesperson said: “This is an attempt to undermine the democratic result and is straight out of the Trump playbook.
“We’ve just won a historic by-election by a comfortable margin.
“We’ve shown the country that Greens can beat Reform, despite their big business donations.”
Mapped: Where is Gorton and Denton
08:16 , Tara CobhamReform chairman David Bull says party will not challenge by-election result
08:15 , Tara CobhamPolitical editor David Maddox reports:
Reform UK chairman David Bull has said that it would be wrong for his party to challenge the by-election result because the margin in favour of the Greens means that alleged vote cheating was “not decisive”.
Mr Bull said “it would be wrong” to legally challenge the result or its legitimacy but told The Today Programme that “serious questions” needed to be asked “about what on earth was going on in polling stations.”
However, he added: “It has been a long night and we need to step back and look at this with cool heads.”
Labour's economic model 'on the side of grifters not grafters', MP says
08:10 , Tara CobhamNicole Wootton-Cane reports:
Chris Curtis has said Labour needs to move away from being "on the side of grifters not grafters" following the Gorton and Denton by-election.
During an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, the Labour MP was asked whether the Green's Hannah Spencer had the right question when she said: "Hard work, what does it get you?" during her victory speech.
Mr Curtis said: "She has absolutely got the right question. We now have an economic model supported by governments successively that haven't been willing to stand up to it that is on the side of grifters in this country and not the side of grafters."
He added if Labour are to win the next general election the party needs to "come up with those answers" and "be brave enough to take on the vested interests".
Watch: Former Labour voter backs Monster Raving Loony Party in Gorton and Denton by-election
08:05 , Tara CobhamMinister admits recent ‘challenging set of headlines’ affected by-election
08:00 , Tara CobhamPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
A minister has admitted that a “challenging set of headlines” faced by the government in recent weeks affected the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Sir Keir Starmer has faced constant furore in recent weeks over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking after Labour came third in what was once one of their safest seats, transport minister Heidi Alexander said: “I don't think the circumstances in which this by-election came about were particularly helpful for us, and for me, that reinforces the importance of all politicians having really high standards in public life when they hold elected office.
“We've had a challenging set of headlines in recent weeks.”
'Almost certain' Burnham would have won by-election, MP says
07:55 , Tara CobhamLabour MP Chris Curtis has said he is “almost certain” Greater Manchester’s mayor would have won the Gorton and Denton by-election had he been allowed to stand.
When asked if Mr Burnham would have won the by-election and even a general election on the BBC's Today programme, Chris Curtis MP said: "I'm almost certain that Andy Burnham would have won the by-election yesterday."
But he said leadership isn't the key issue, insisting you could put Clement Attlee into Downing Street tomorrow and it would not make a difference "unless we have a proper plan in order to fix the broken economic model that people are seeing in their everyday lives. We've got to wake up as a party and recognise that."
He added: "When you have a result like this, going about business as usual just is not going to cut it."
Labour must 'wake up' and fix 'broken economy', MP says
07:47 , Tara CobhamNicole Wootton-Cane reports:
Labour MP Chris Curtis has said the by-election result shows party must "wake up" and fix the country's "broken economic system".
"I think when you get a result like this it is very easy to say you should always move to the right or move to the left," he told the BBC's Today programme. "But when push comes to shove that just isn't true. Voters don't think of themselves as sitting on a spectrum. They're looking at their energy bills, their rent, their crumbling high street, and they're asking of parties and politicians like myself - whose side are you on? Too often the answers politicians have been given is 'not yours'."
He added we have had a "broken economic system" that does not look after the "hard working people of this country" and that unless that changes, he believes voters will continue to move away from mainstream parties and towards parties like Reform.
Labour MP calls on Starmer to go ‘for good of UK and party’
07:35 , Tara CobhamWhitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
A Labour MP has called on Sir Keir Starmer to step down “for the good of the UK and the party”.
Brian Leishman told the Independent: “There is absolutely no doubt that the people of Gorton and Denton rejected us because of the direction Keir Starmer and the people around him have taken our Labour Party. That is obvious with us finishing 3rd.
“The societal issues communities up and down the country face need real Labour Party values in government to benefit the millions of people that have become worse off after Tory austerity and the cost of living crisis. Making things fairer, more equal and improving people’s lives should always be the mission of the Labour Party.
“Instead, Keir Starmer made a selfish mistake in blocking Andy Burnham from standing and it’s yet another example of him and his advisers making bad judgement calls.
“I’ve said it for a long time now, the prime minister has taken our Labour Party in the wrong direction by trying to out-Reform, Reform. We need to be a proper Labour government and live by real Labour Party values. He has proved that he is not the leader that can and will do that. He has to go for the good of Scotland, the UK and the party.”
Polanski says by-election has potential to ‘transform face of British politics’
07:30 , Tara CobhamPolitical reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Zack Polanski has said the result of yesterday’s by-election has the “potential to transform the face of British politics”.
Speaking hours after his party’s candidate won the crunch vote in Gorton and Denton, Mr Polanski told BBC Breakfast: “People are really ready for an alternative to the Labour government, and they're rejecting what I see as the divisive politics of reform.”
He added: “I think we've got a Labour government that people are very disappointed with. But it's not enough just to criticise other parties. I think Hannah and the Green Party have been propositional. We've talked about our plans for the future of this country, plans for Gorton and Denton and I think that's really resonated with people.”
Transport secretary insists 'good stuff is coming'
07:29 , Tara CobhamTransport secretary Heidi Alexander has insisted that “good stuff is coming”.
The minister also told Times Radio Breakfast this morning that the Gorton and Denton result is “not a reflection on the candidate”.
She added that she would not “pontificate” on whether Andy Burnham would have won the election if he had been Labour’s candidate.
NEW: Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander tells @TimesRadio Breakfast that:
— Calum Macdonald (@CalumAM) February 27, 2026
"'Good stuff is coming' is a really difficult message to land for a governing party."
She says the result in Gorton and Denton is "not a reflection on the candidate."
She doesn't want to "pontificate"…
Scottish Labour leader who called on Starmer to quit ducks by-election result – for now
07:22 , Tara CobhamWhitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Just weeks after he called on Sir Keir Starmer to quit, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is holding his party’s one-day conference today.
There he will be under pressure to give his verdict on last night’s result.
This morning he tweeted: “Heading into Conference today with a clear message: after 20 years of SNP Government, Scotland needs change.”
By-election analysis: Britain has seen the emergence of a new populist leader
07:09 , Tara CobhamWhen the Gorton and Denton by-election was called the initial thought was it would confirm the onward march of Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party. But it was the breakthrough of a new populist leader that was confirmed instead.
Since he was elected leader of the Greens late in 2025, Zack Polanski has transformed his party’s appeal from protest party to one regularly picking up 16 per cent in the polls rather than single figures.
His snappy videos, charismatic, likeable approach couple with an easy accessibility has seen him emerge as the populist leader which the left has been missing. He told The Independent that his aim is for the Greens "to replace Labour" and now it looks more than an empty slogan.
In many ways he has everything in personality that the embattled Keir Starmer is missing.
Now under his leadership the Greens look like a viable alternative to Labour on the left and have won their first ever by-election victory in a part of the UK they have never come close to winning before.
This despite Labour relentlessly running a “Greens can’t win here” campaign for weeks.
Labour MPs all around the country but perhaps particularly in London will be waking up in a cold sweat over the rise of the Greens in their backyards. And it is thanks to the transformation brought by Mr Polanski.
Curtice warns that result will raise questions about Starmer’s leadership
07:00 , David MaddoxBritain’s leading polling expert, Professor Sir John Curtice, told the BBC that the result will raise questions about Sir Keir’s continued leadership but has wider implications.
He said: “Doubtless the result will raise fresh questions in Labour MPs minds as to whether Sir Keir Starmer should remain prime minister.
“Yet it would be a mistake to believe the result in Gorton and Denton simply reflects disappointment with the leadership he and his government have provided since the 2024 election.
“Rather the by-election confirmed the message of the 2024 election that two of the key foundations of Labour's traditional electoral coalition have crumbled away.”
He noted that Labour and the Tories now account for as little as 20 per cent in popular support in a collapse of the traditional two-party system.
On Nigel Farage’s Reform, he added: “The result in Gorton and Denton certainly illustrates some of the limits of Reform's appeal. But while the party's lead over Labour in the opinion polls has narrowed a little in recent weeks, it would be wrong to interpret the result as evidence that the party's prospects have now waned significantly.”
Who is Hannah Spencer? The plumber-turned-MP who won historic Gorton and Denton by-election
06:49 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPlumber turned Green MP Hannah Spencer hailed her victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election and called out others for scapegoating communities.
The 34-year-old took one of Labour’s safest seats, overturning their 13,000 majority and consigning Sir Kier Starmer’s party into third place, behind Reform UK.
After a sometimes divisive month-long campaign, Ms Spencer took the seat with 14,980 votes, a majority of 4,402 over Reform’s Matt Goodwin.
More here.
Who is Hannah Spencer? The plumber-turned-MP who won historic by-election
Greens dismiss Farage's comment on 'sectarian voting and cheating'
06:44 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Green Party said Nigel Farage's claims of "sectarian voting and cheating" were an attempt to undermine a democratic result in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
A Greens spokesperson said: "This is an attempt to undermine the democratic result and is straight out of the Trump playbook.
"We've just won a historic by-election by a comfortable margin.
"We've shown the country that Greens can beat Reform, despite their big business donations."
By-election analysis: This result will spell Keir Starmer's end
06:32 , David MaddoxThe worst nightmare for Keir Starmer and Labour MPs has come to pass in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Despite throwing everything they had at getting their candidate Angeliki Stogia elected, Labour have come a very poor third behind both the Greens and Reform UK.
A Green victory was always the worst outcome for Labour because it sends a signal around the country that Zack Polanski’s party is a serious alternative on the left for Labour.
The Greens are now in a position to split the Labour vote just like Reform split the Tory vote in 2024.
But the blame is already falling on Sir Keir. New Green MP Hannah Spencer is known as a plumber, but her victory plumbs new depths for this beleaguered PM and his 20-month government.
Sir Keir’s U-turns and bad policy calls, his poor judgement over appointing people like Peter Mandelson and his inability to be a proper leader all come to play now.
While he may not be forced to resign today, this result should all but seal his fate as prime minister as Labour looks to another humiliating beating in the local and devolved elections on 7 May.
Leader of Socialist Campaign Group warns Starmer must change course
06:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarLeeds MP Richard Burgon, who chairs the Socialist Campaign Group of left-wing Labour MPs, blamed the result on Keir Starmer.
He warned: “Blame for Labour’s defeat lies squarely with Keir Starmer and his clique.
“They put factional interests over having the candidate best placed to win, Andy Burnham.
“If Labour is to be the ‘Stop Reform’ party, then the leadership must stop treating progressive voters with contempt - and start appealing to them.
“That means a return to real Labour values - through policies like a Wealth Tax, public ownership of energy and water, and an ethical foreign policy that are all popular with the public.
“And it means ditching the approach of trying to ape Reform and kicking the left, that has alienated so many people who have voted Labour previously.”
Watch: Baroness Jenny Jones reflects on Green party's performance in the Gorton and Denton by-election
06:15 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarLabour MP says by-election loss is 'catastrophe' in damning verdict
06:06 , Millie Cooke in ManchesterThe Gorton and Denton by-election defeat is a "catastrophe", a Labour MP has said.
"What on earth is this Labour Party doing,” asked Karl Turner.
The MP told Times Radio that tonight's result, which saw Sir Keir Starmer's party come in third behind the Green Party and Reform, is "the worst result the Labour Party could have ever had".
"We are in a position where we can’t out-Left-wing the Greens, we tried to out-Right-wing Reform on immigration, other such matters. My message to Keir, the Prime Minister, is this. Why don’t we try to be Labour?", he said.
Issuing a damning verdict on Sir Keir's leadership, the MP added: “For crying out loud. Start listening to Labour MPs, start listening to people who knock the doors, who’ve been doing it forever. That’s the truth of where we are. What on earth is this Labour Party doing? What on earth has the Labour Party come to? We’ve now got the Greens in Manchester, it’s a catastrophe.”
Greens predict party will win over 100 seats in next general election
05:54 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Greens are predicting they could win more than a hundred seats at the next general election after Hannah Spencer took 40.7 per cent of the vote in Gorton and Denton, with a swing of 27.5 per cent.
Party leader Zack Polanski said: "If we see a swing like this at the next general election, there will be a tidal wave of new Green MPs."
Polanski says 'Green is the way to defeat Reform'
05:41 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarGreen Party leader Zack Polanski has now issued a statement after his party secured a historic win this morning.
He told reporters: "This used to be one of Labour’s safest seats.
"In this by-election, almost half of their 2024 voters abandoned them, and many switched to voting Green, meaning they finished third.
"The Green Party saw a record-breaking swing in our direction and more than tripled our vote.”
He claimed that the Labour “fought a shameful, dirty campaign – spreading lies about Green policies and even faking a tactical voting website."
"They knew they couldn’t win, but they risked splitting the vote and letting Reform in. People everywhere will now know that voting Green is the way to defeat Reform.
"Many ex-Labour voters told our canvassers that they will never go back to a party that supports genocide, fuels racism, and has failed to deliver on its promise to improve life for people across the country."
Farage issues statement after by-election loss
05:37 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarReform UK leader Nigel Farage posted on X: "This election was a victory for sectarian voting and cheating. Matt Goodwin was a great candidate for us.
"Roll on the elections on May 7th. It will be goodbye Starmer and goodbye to the Tory party."
Reform UK's candidate issues statement after election loss
05:22 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarReform UK's candidate Matt Goodwin posted on X: "We are losing our country. A dangerous Muslim sectarianism has emerged.
"We have only one general election left to save Britain. Vote Reform every chance you get.
I will continue the fight. I will always fight for you. I will stand at the next general election. Matt."
Hannah Spencer wins historic Gordon and Denton by-election for the Green Party
05:18 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarHannah Spencer speaks to media after being declared winner
05:08 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Labour has 'turned its back on the nation's progressive majority'
05:06 , Millie Cooke in ManchesterLeft-wing pressure group Compass has accused Labour's leadership of having "turned its back on the nation's progressive majority", taking a swipe at the decision to block Andy Burnham from standing as the party's candidate.
Neal Lawson, director of the group, said: “In this spectacular by-election result, the Greens have shown there is an appetite in Britain for a bold, progressive agenda for big change."
Labour’s leadership has turned its back on the nation's progressive majority and blocked the only candidate – in Andy Burnham – who could have spoken for this hopeful future."The two-party stranglehold on the UK's politics looks broken. Only a progressive alliance can defeat Reform and the causes of Reform."
Winner Hannah Spencer says Greens 'defeated the parties of billionaire donors'
05:01 , Millie Cooke in ManchesterIn her victory speech, Hannah Spencer said the Greens had "defeated the parties of billionaire donors" and "shown that we don’t have to accept being turned against each other".
She also apologised to customers who have booked her in for plumbing jobs in the coming weeks.
Ms Spencer joked: “To my customers, I’m sorry, but I think I might have to cancel the work that you had booked in, because I’m heading to Parliament.
“And when I get there, I will make space for everyone doing jobs like mine. We will finally get a seat at the table.”
She continued: “We have shown that we don’t have to accept being turned against each other. We can demand better without hating each other. We can do that together.
“We ran a hopeful campaign, backed by thousands of volunteers and activists. We defeated the parties of billionaire donors.
“We have shown that we don’t have to accept being turned against each other at all.”
Labour reacts to by-election loss, calls it 'clearly disappointing'
04:49 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Labour Party has said tonight's by-election loss is "clearly disappointing".
"By-elections are normally difficult for the party of government, and this election was no different", the party's chair Anna Turley said in the wake of the crucial result.
She added: “We have had thousands of conversations over the last few weeks and we know the majority of voters here did not want the poisonous politics of Nigel Farage and Reform.
“We will continue to deliver a programme for government that tackles the cost of living crisis families are facing, creates opportunities for young people and invests in our public services.
“The politics of anger and easy answers offered by the Greens and Reform won’t deliver this.
“We will move forward with a relentless focus on delivering the renewal communities across Britain want to see.”
Keir Starmer suffers humiliating defeat
04:44 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPrime minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party suffered defeat in a vote in an area of Greater Manchester it had dominated for almost a century, a loss that underscores the breakdown of Britain’s decades-old two-party politics.
The left-leaning Green Party of England and Wales candidate Hannah Spencer won the contest for the vacant parliamentary seat of Gorton and Denton with 14,980 votes — the first time the party has won a one-off parliamentary election.
The candidate for Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, came second with 10,587 votes, while the governing Labour Party finished third with 9,364 votes.
Breaking: Greens win Gorton and Denton by-election
04:32 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Greens have won the Gorton and Denton by-election in a stunning embarrassment for Keir Starmer.
Party candidate Hannah Spencer has become the Greens' fifth MP in parliament.
Labour Party candidate Angeliki Stogia walks with Deputy Labour Party leader Lucy Powell
04:27 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Greens candidate arrives at count with Polanski
04:16 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarGreen Party leader Zack Polanski has arrived at the count along with candidate Hannah Spencer.
Mr Polanski's Greens appeared increasingly confident in their chances as the night went on, with a source saying: "We are now very confident of a win."
Reform’s candidate turns up without Farage
03:53 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarReform UK’s Matt Goodwin has arrived, accompanied by members of the party's press team.
But there is no sign of Nigel Farage, who would have only shown up if they thought they had a strong chance of winning.
With results expected imminently, it is becoming increasingly likely that the Greens have won in Gorton and Denton.
Result of the election is expected soon
03:48 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarLabour candidate Angeliki Stogia has arrived at the count, escorted by Lucy Powell, the deputy leader of the party.
They stood, along with other glum-looking Labour activists, arms folded, in one corner of the room, expecting to be defeated.
Masses of press stood at the other end of the room awaiting the arrival of the Green Party candidate, Hannah Spencer, and Reform UK's Matt Goodwin.
The result of the election is expected in the next 30 minutes.
Labour candidate arrives with Lucy Powell
03:37 , Millie Cooke in ManchesterLabour's candidate Angeliki Stogia has arrived with the party's deputy leader Lucy Powell ahead of the result being declared from 4am.
The pair walked in to the count venue in silence and were met by no applause or cheers, amid speculation that Labour may have come third in tonight's by-election.
Media hacks are now waiting keenly for the Green Party's Hannah Spencer and Reform's Matt Goodwin to arrive.
Labour Party appears to concede in crucial by-election
03:35 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Labour Party appears to have conceded in the Gorton and Denton by-election, amid growing speculation that the Greens may have won.
In a damning admission at around 3am, the party's deputy leader said the Greens “have managed to win that argument that they were best placed” to keep Reform UK out of Gorton and Denton.
It came after Zack Polanski’s party said “things are feeling positive” for the Greens in the Labour stronghold.
Speaking to Sky News, Lucy Powell said: “I wanted Angeliki Stogia to be my colleague in Parliament.“But I think what is really clear is that there is a big majority in this constituency that hasn’t voted for Reform. And on the day the Greens have managed to win that argument that they were best placed to do that.
“But I’m not sure whether that would totally translate in a general election.”
She added that “parties of government too often lose by-elections midterm like this” and that “at the next general election, the choice across the country, not just in one constituency, will be between a Reform government or a Labour government, and I think that will focus people’s minds in a different way.”
“We’ve got to, of course, take stock, as we always do, and show humility and that we are hearing what people are saying.”
The Independent's live analysis: Inside the Gorton and Denton by-election count
03:05 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarBreaking: Labour appears to admits defeat in Gorton and Denton
02:55 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Labour Party has admitted defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, amid speculation that the Greens may have won.
In a damning admission at around 3am, the party's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, said the Greens “have managed to win that argument that they were best placed” to keep Reform UK out of Gorton and Denton.
It came after Zack Polanski’s party said “things are feeling positive” for the Greens in the Labour stronghold.
Analysis: What would a Green victory mean for Sir Keir Starmer?
02:48 , Millie Cooke in ManchesterWhile it is too early to call the result in a race that is expected to be extremely tight, the Green Party appears to be confident in tonight's by-election, with a party source predicting a “seismic moment” in UK politics.
If the Greens win tonight, it would be the party’s first-ever victory in a parliamentary by-election.
A Labour defeat in the party’s long-time stronghold would be a major blow to Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, which has been the subject of speculation for months amid devastating approval ratings and questions over the direction of government.
The party has sought to pitch itself as the only option for anti-Reform voters, but a loss would undermine that claim in future elections. Instead, it would boost the Greens’ credibility on that front and chip away at Labour's ailing support base even further.
Greens confident as counting underway in Gorton and Denton
02:39 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Greens appeared confident that they were in the lead as counting was underway in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
A Labour defeat in the party's long-time stronghold in Gorton and Denton would be a major blow to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.
Labour sought to pitch itself as the only option for anti-Reform voters, but a loss would undermine that claim in future elections and instead boost the Greens' credibility on that front.
A Green Party source said, "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 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.
"Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley earlier said she was "really optimistic" about Labour's chances, but cautioned: "Of course incumbent government always find it difficult to fight by-elections."
Labour expresses concerns over voting in by-election
02:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarLabour want the authorities to look into claims of high levels of “family voting” in the Gorton and Denton by-election, with the party’s chairwoman describing the findings as “very concerning”.
Anna Turley was among the political leaders to react to a report by election observer group Democracy Volunteers that claimed to have witnessed the illegal practice in 68 per cent of 22 polling stations monitored.
“Family voting” – where two voters either confer, collude or direct each other on voting – was made illegal by the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023.
More here.
Labour want officials to examine reports over voting in Gorton and Denton by-election
Monster Raving Loony Party arrives with their candidate at Gorton and Denton by-election
02:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarLabour MP says Starmer 'must own this catastophe'
02:15 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA Labour MP has told Sky News that Sir Keir Starmer “must own this catastrophe" as the Greens appear to edge ahead in Gorton and Denton by-election.
The MP, who was not named by the broadcaster, said: "We can’t out right wing Reform whilst at the same time try out left winging the Greens. Labour should perhaps just be Labour.
"Truth is McSweeney forced Starmer into the room with the NEC to block the most popular Labour politician in England in Andy Burnham. That showed weakness not strength.
"Keir has got away, for too long, with saying he hadn’t been involved when decisions taken have gone wrong. This time he, Keir, must own this catastrophe.
"The Greens with a foothold in Manchester is nothing less than a disaster for the Party. We can fight Reform on policy but we cannot appear more progressive than the Greens. Not under this leadership."
Labour MP from Rusholme confident of party win in Gorton and Denton
02:10 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAfzal Khan, the Labour MP for the neighbouring Rusholme constituency in Manchester, appeared confident as he arrived at the by-election count.Mr Khan said he was encouraged by the number of people he had seen going to the polls and his party's "ground" operation to get out the vote.
He said: "People are coming out to vote. Despite the rain, fasting and everything. I think they're coming out."Earlier in the day, Labour said they had 1,000 activists out in the constituency.
Mr Khan said: "Probably a record number. I've never seen so many in 25 years.
"Asked how he felt the vote would go for Labour, he replied: "I think we should..." nodded and smiled.
He added: "Let me go in there once, and then I'll have a better idea. Thank you."
Counting underway for Gorton and Denton by-election
02:07 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
What is family voting?
02:03 , Millie Cooke in Manchester“Family voting” is where two voters either confer, collude or direct each other on voting.
It was made illegal by the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023 as part of an attempt to prevent electoral coercion, and polling stations typically have signage to discourage the practice.
But Democracy Volunteers, an elections monitoring group which raised concerns over high levels of family voting at the Gorton and Denton by-election, said they found these signs at just 45 per cent of polling stations they observed.
The organisation said it attended 22 of the 45 polling stations in the constituency, spending 30 to 45 minutes in each, and witnessed family voting in 15 of the 22 polling stations observed.
Greens predict 'seismic moment' amid speculation they have won
01:55 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAmid growing speculation from campaign sources on the ground that the Greens have won the by-election, the party has predicted a "seismic moment in British politics".
A Green Party source said: “Things are feeling positive. Not wanting to get ahead of ourselves, but everything that we thought was going to be happening looks like it’s happening.
“Whatever happens, I think it’s fair to say that Greens are here to stay now as a progressive voice in British politics.
“We’ve said from the start we’re not here to be disappointed by Labour, but we’re here to replace them.
“And from day one of the by-election, we’ve said that Greens are the only party that could beat Reform. And I think tonight we’re seeing both of those things potentially coming true."
They added: “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.”
Turnout in Gorton and Denton by-election 47.62%
01:45 , Millie Cooke in ManchesterTurnout at the Gorton and Denton by-election was 47.62 per cent with 36,903 votes cast, the returning officer has said.
This is only just lower than the turnout in the constituency at the 2024 general election, which was 47.8 per cent, despite by-elections typically seeing turnout that is much lower than general elections.
Now that verification of the votes has concluded, the main count will begin. Results are expected from 4am.
Greens leader Polanski says he will back probe into family voting
01:22 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarGreen Party leader Zack Polanski has suggested he would back a probe into family voting in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
He told BBC Newsnight: "I think it's important that there's full transparency about the democratic process, and if the recommendation is that there should be an inquiry or further steps then yes I'd support that.
"Reform UK chair David Bull told the programme: "Electoral fraud is a stain on democracy. We would support reporting it and making sure that it's done in the spirit and fairness with the law."
