The Green Party achieved a significant victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election on Thursday, marking the first time the party has won a British parliamentary by-election. Labour fell to third place in the contest, a seat it had previously held for nearly a century, with Reform UK coming in second.
A Blow to Labour Leadership
The result has prompted renewed scrutiny of the Labour Party’s decision to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing as a candidate in the by-election. According to Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, Burnham “probably would have” won the seat. Powell stated that the Greens may not have targeted the constituency so aggressively had Burnham been allowed to compete.
Powell, the sole member of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to vote in favor of allowing Burnham to run, acknowledged “collective responsibility” for the decision, citing concerns about the potential need for a mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester. She also emphasized the need for the Labour Party to learn from Burnham’s popularity, stating that people “see in him someone who is on their side.”
What Next for Labour?
Burnham has yet to publicly comment on the by-election outcome. Labour leader Keir Starmer has vowed to continue fighting despite the “disappointing” result. Meanwhile, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to caution against a shift to the left in response to the by-election, as she prepares to introduce new immigration legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the Gorton and Denton by-election?
Hannah Spencer of the Green Party won the by-election with 40.7% of the vote, defeating Labour and Reform UK candidates.
Why was Andy Burnham prevented from running in the by-election?
The Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) blocked Burnham from contesting the seat, citing concerns about the cost of a potential mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester.
What did Lucy Powell say about the result?
Lucy Powell stated that Andy Burnham “probably would have” won the by-election and that the Greens may have pursued the seat less aggressively had he been allowed to stand.
As the political landscape shifts, what impact will this by-election result have on the broader strategies of the major parties heading into future elections?
