The newly elected Green MP for Gorton and Denton, Hannah Spencer, celebrated her historic by-election win with supporters at the Niamos Radical Arts Centre in Hulme, Manchester. Spencer, a councillor and plumber, secured victory with 14,980 votes, giving her a majority of 4,402.
Joined by party leader Zack Polanski and around 150 supporters, Spencer expressed her gratitude for their efforts in helping her secure the win. The atmosphere was jubilant as she took to the stage, introduced by deputy leader Mothin Ali, to deliver her acceptance speech in front of a backdrop adorned in green.
Following the celebration, Spencer and Polanski held a press conference at a wedding venue in Belle Vue. Polanski hailed the victory as a groundbreaking moment in British politics, stating that nearly 2,000 Green supporters had actively campaigned in the constituency. He emphasized that the Green Party is offering a hopeful and constructive alternative to the traditional political landscape.
Spencer echoed Polanski’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of unity and common ground in their campaign. She highlighted the need for every individual to have their voices heard and needs met within a democratic society.
The newly elected MP is set to spend the day meeting with constituents at her first surgery, expressing her gratitude to voters and community leaders for their support. Despite the loss, Labour leader Keir Starmer vowed to continue fighting for the party’s values.
In response to the Green Party’s victory, Labour MP Karl Turner expressed disappointment, labeling the result as “catastrophic.” Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn congratulated Spencer on her win, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between parties to bring about real change.
Eleanor Barlow, a reporter with Press Association, and Brendan Montague, a member of the editorial team of The Ecologist online, contributed to this article.
