The Greens will win a “tidal wave” of MPs at the next general election, party leader Zack Polanski said as he celebrated a stunning by-election win over Reform UK and Labour.
Hannah Spencer, a councillor and plumber, stormed to victory in Gorton & Denton, with 14,980 votes and a majority of 4,402 votes.
Reform UK’s candidate Matt Goodwin got 10,578 votes, with Labour’s Angeliki Stogia trailing on 9,364, down from 18,555 in the 2024 general election
Conservative candidate Charlotte Cadden received just 706 votes, with the Liberal Democrats getting 653.
In an emotional victory speech, Ms Spencer said people were being “bled dry” and were “sick of our hard work making other people rich”.
Celebrating the swing of 27.5% from Labour to Greens, Mr Polanski said: “If we see a swing like this at the next general election, there will be a tidal wave of new Green MPs.”
Follow the latest updates below...
Farage claims 'cheating' led to his candidate's defeat
07:22 , Megan HoweReform leader Mr Farage claimed "cheating" had led to his candidate's defeat.
Concerns have been raised about people forcing family members to vote in a certain way in the contest.
Election observer group Democracy Volunteers warned it had witnessed "concerningly high levels" of family voting - an illegal practice where two voters use one polling booth and potentially direct each other on voting.
Mr 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."
What does the Green Party's victory mean for Labour?
07:06 , Megan HoweLabour's defeat, trailing in third behind Zack Polanski's Greens and Nigel Farage's Reform UK in the previously rock-solid Greater Manchester constituency, will pile pressure on the Prime Minister.
Hannah Spencer emerged victorious for the Greens, with 14,980 votes and a majority of 4,402 votes.
Reform UK's candidate Matt Goodwin got 10,578 votes, with Labour's Angeliki Stogia trailing on 9,364, down from 18,555 in the 2024 general election, when the turnout was similarly high.
Conservative candidate Charlotte Cadden received just 706 votes, with the Liberal Democrats getting 653.
Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley lamented the "clearly disappointing" result, saying: "By-elections are normally difficult for the party of government, and this election was no different."
She added that "the politics of anger and easy answers offered by the Greens and Reform" would not tackle the cost-of-living crisis, create opportunities for young people or invest in public services.
The Greens' victory will undermine Labour's claim to be the only option for anti-Reform voters in the May local elections, deepening the electoral challenge for the governing party.
The outcome will likely renew speculation about Sir Keir's position, which has come under pressure from the Lord Peter Mandelson scandal, a slew of departures from No 10 and Labour's plummeting popularity.
Sir Keir's decision to block potential leadership rival Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor, from running will also come under the spotlight.
Who is Hannah Spencer?
07:00 , Megan HoweHannah Spencer has made history as the first Green Party candidate to win a Westminster by-election, and becomes the party’s first MP in northern England.
The 34-year-old currently leads the Greens on Trafford Council, where she has represented the Hale ward since May 2023.
Spencer has worked as a plumber since the age of 16 and revealed in her victory speech that she qualified as a plasterer just two weeks ago, telling supporters: “I didn’t grow up wanting to be a politician. I am a plumber.”
She previously stood in the Greater Manchester mayoral election and became a familiar figure on the campaign trail alongside her four greyhounds.
Historic Gorton and Denton by-election win for the Green Party
06:55 , Megan HoweThe Green Party has secured a historic victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election, marking the party’s first ever win in a Westminster by-election.
Green candidate Hannah Spencer has become the new MP after a dramatic result that saw Reform UK finish in second place and Labour pushed into third in what had long been considered a safe seat.
In her victory speech, Spencer said she would fight for people who feel “left behind”, promising to bring their concerns directly to Westminster.
A plumber by trade before entering politics, Spencer’s background was a central part of her campaign, with supporters pointing to her practical experience and local roots as key factors in the Greens’ breakthrough.
The result represents a significant moment for the Green Party and underlines shifting political loyalties in parts of Greater Manchester.
