Green Party Wins Long‑Held Labour Seat in Manchester

In a surprising shift, the Green Party captured a seat that Labour had held for nearly 100 years. The win came in Gorton and Denton, a Greater Manchester area that had been a Labour stronghold since the early 1900s. The result was seen as a blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, who had worked hard to keep the seat secure by blocking a rival candidate and campaigning there just weeks before the vote. The Green Party, led by Hannah Spencer, received 40. 7% of the votes. Reform UK, an anti‑immigration party headed by Nigel Farage, finished second with 28. 7%. Labour’s candidate came in third, earning only 25. 4% of the ballots—a sharp decline from the 52% they secured in last year’s general election.This loss highlights growing frustration with Starmer’s government. Critics point to slow economic growth, scandals over appointments, and frequent policy reversals as reasons for the party’s weakening support. Although no immediate threat to Starmer’s position was raised before the election, many lawmakers warn that his standing could be challenged after the upcoming May elections. The Green Party’s victory marks its first win in a single‑seat contest in the north of England. With this seat, the party now holds five MPs out of 650 in Parliament, giving it a modest but growing voice. The result suggests that voters are looking for alternatives beyond the traditional Labour‑Conservative duopoly. The defeat also raises questions about the future of British politics. If parties like Reform UK and the Greens continue to gain ground, the two‑party system that has dominated since World War II may be ending. For now, the focus will shift to how Labour can regroup and respond to a changing political landscape.