Greens win Gorton and Denton by-election

The Green Party has won its first ever parliamentary by-election, taking the seat of Gorton and Denton in Greater Manchester from Labour.

Hannah Spencer, a 34-year-old plumber, won the by-election held on 26 February with 40.7 per cent of the vote and a majority of 4,402.

A seismic result

Labour had held Gorton since 1935, and the defeat is one of the largest Labour majorities ever overturned at a by-election. Commentators have described the result as historic.

Spencer becomes the Green Party's fifth MP, and its first in the north of England. It is also the party's highest ever vote share at a by-election.

Why the by-election was held

The by-election was called after the resignation of Andrew Gwynne, who had been the MP since 2005. He had been sitting as an independent after being suspended by Labour for sending offensive WhatsApp messages, and stood down on health grounds.

The Burnham question

The campaign was overshadowed by a row within Labour. The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, applied to be the party's candidate, but was blocked by Labour's National Executive Committee.

Many saw his bid as a first step towards challenging Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. Around 50 Labour MPs signed a letter objecting to the decision to block him.

The constituency

Gorton and Denton covers parts of Manchester and Tameside, including Gorton, Levenshulme, Longsight, Burnage and Denton. It is one of the most deprived constituencies in England, and has a diverse population.

A warning for Labour

The result is a serious blow to the Prime Minister. Labour has been falling in the opinion polls, and has faced criticism over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, which has led to resignations in Downing Street.

The result shows the continuing rise of smaller parties. The Greens and Reform UK have both gained support at Labour's expense.

Looking ahead

Local elections are due across much of England in May, including in Birmingham, where every seat on the city council will be up for election. The Greens hope the result will give them momentum.