Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer won the Gorton and Denton by-election on Thursday 26 February, taking 14,980 votes to Reform UK’s 10,578 and Labour’s 9,364. The Conservatives polled 706 and the Liberal Democrats 653; both fell below the 5% threshold for retaining their deposits. The UK Parliament confirmed the result on 27 February. (parliament.uk)
The victory is a first on two fronts: the Greens’ first-ever Westminster by-election win and the party’s first MP in northern England. Spencer overturned Labour’s notional 13,413 majority from the 2024 general election, with turnout reported at 47.6%, close to general election levels. (theguardian.com)
This is only the second parliamentary by-election since the July 2024 general election-and both have been won by parties outside the traditional duopoly. Reform UK captured Runcorn and Helsby on 1 May 2025; the Greens have now taken Gorton and Denton on 26 February 2026. (parliament.uk)
Labour’s immediate response pointed to stability at the top but accepted the scale of the setback. Sir Keir Starmer called the result “very disappointing” and vowed to keep fighting, while former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner described it as a “wake up call” and urged the party to “be braver” in delivering the change it promised. (itv.com)
Candidate selection dominated early coverage. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham sought to run but was blocked by Labour’s National Executive Committee, reported as an 8–1 vote with deputy leader Lucy Powell the sole dissenting voice. The decision drew criticism across the party and complicated Labour’s campaign narrative. (lbc.co.uk)
For the Conservatives, this contest was stark. With 706 votes they lost their deposit; several outlets recorded this as a historic low Westminster by-election share for the party, underscoring the scale of retreat in parts of Greater Manchester. (parliament.uk)
Reform UK finished second under candidate Matt Goodwin. After polls closed, Reform and the Conservatives asked authorities to review alleged instances of “family voting”. Manchester City Council said no such concerns were reported on the day and criticised the timing of the claims. Family voting is a specific offence under the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023; the Electoral Commission advises on secrecy requirements for polling stations. Police reviews are under way, but there is no suggestion the certified result is in question. (theguardian.com)
The Greens’ advance reflects organisational choices as well as local dynamics. Under leader Zack Polanski, analysts have characterised the party’s offer as a more assertive left-of-centre pitch focused on inequality and public services; membership passed 100,000 in October 2025. Spencer’s win lifts the party to five MPs, expanding its parliamentary presence. (ft.com)
For Labour strategists the risk profile is now two-sided. Reform UK demonstrated strength on the right at Runcorn and Helsby and again here, while the Greens mobilised progressive and younger voters and capitalised on issues where Labour has faced friction, including Gaza. Some analysts also point to tactical anti‑Reform voting patterns benefiting the Greens in urban seats. (parliament.uk)
Attention now turns to May 2026 elections. Labour must re‑energise supporters, settle internal rows over selections, and clarify positions on contested policy areas. The Greens will test whether concentrated by‑election effort can be replicated across multiple wards. Reform will seek to convert second places into wins while avoiding candidate controversies that limit crossover appeal.
Turnout held near general election levels-47.6%-suggesting voters recognised the stakes in a three‑way race. In two by‑elections since 2024, non‑traditional parties have topped the poll, signalling a more fragmented electorate and tighter competition for progressive and protest votes alike. (ft.com)
Key figures: Green 14,980; Reform 10,578; Labour 9,364; Conservative 706; Liberal Democrat 653; others 633. Under Electoral Commission rules, deposits are returned only to candidates exceeding 5% of valid votes. (parliament.uk)