In a significant political move, the Green Party has announced that Hannah Spencer will be its candidate in the forthcoming Gorton and Denton byelection. A Trafford councillor and a plumber by profession, Spencer previously stood for the party in the 2024 Manchester mayoral election, where she finished fifth. Her selection follows a democratic process involving local party members who voted in an online hustings.
Spencer’s Political Journey
Hannah Spencer’s selection comes at a pivotal moment for the Green Party, as they seek to expand their influence in the North. Previously, she has called Gorton her home, establishing a connection with the constituency that could prove advantageous in her campaign. In the 2024 mayoral race, Spencer faced tough competition from Labour’s Andy Burnham, who successfully retained his position, while other candidates from Conservative, independent, and Reform parties also vied for attention.
Local party members cast their votes during a virtual hustings, resulting in Spencer receiving a resounding majority. Her closest rivals included Fesl Reza-Khan, who had competed for the Oldham East and Saddleworth seat in the last general election, and Sarah Wakefield, a prominent local activist and former general secretary of the Manchester University student union. Notably, other potential candidates like Mothin Ali, the party’s co-deputy leader, and Zack Polanski, the party leader, opted not to contest.
Aiming for History
Should Spencer secure victory in the byelection, she would make history by becoming the Green Party’s fifth sitting MP and the first from the North. At only 34 years of age, she would also be the youngest MP in the party’s history. These facts underscore the stakes involved, as the Greens have positioned themselves to challenge Labour’s longstanding dominance in the area.
The byelection was prompted by the resignation of Andrew Gwynne due to health issues, creating a vacancy that the Greens believe they can exploit. Recent political dynamics have favoured the party, particularly following Labour’s controversial decision to block Burnham from running. This has left both the Greens and Reform UK—whose candidate is the conservative commentator and former academic Matt Goodwin—as the main contenders.
Strategic Endorsements and Community Engagement
The Green Party’s campaign has already begun to gain momentum, with Polanski framing the byelection as a “battle for the soul of our nation.” He expressed confidence that even if Burnham had been in the race, the Greens would have emerged victorious. The campaign launch featured several notable figures, including former party leader Natalie Bennett and activist Salma Yaqoob, although Polanski has been cautious about fostering alliances with other parties.
The Greens have received a significant endorsement from pressure group The Muslim Vote, which is noteworthy given that Muslim voters represent approximately 30% of the constituency’s population. This endorsement signals the party’s intent to resonate with community concerns, particularly around the ongoing violence in Gaza. However, some insiders suggest that the backing was initially based on the expectation that either Ali or Reza-Khan, both practising Muslims, would secure the nomination. Despite this, it appears unlikely that the endorsement will be rescinded following Spencer’s selection.
The Political Landscape Ahead
As the byelection approaches, Labour is expected to announce its candidate soon, which will further shape the race. The current climate suggests that the Greens are well-positioned to challenge Labour’s traditional stronghold in Gorton and Denton, potentially altering the political landscape in Greater Manchester.
Why it Matters
Hannah Spencer’s candidacy represents not just a personal milestone but a broader strategic shift for the Green Party in a region where they have historically struggled. With rising public consciousness around environmental issues and social justice, the byelection could serve as a litmus test for the party’s viability in the North. If successful, it could herald a new era of Green representation in British politics, challenging the entrenched dominance of Labour and signalling a shift in voter priorities.
