Labour suffered a significant defeat in Gorton and Denton as the Green Party claimed victory in one of the party’s traditionally safe seats. The election results revealed a sharp decline of 25% in Labour’s vote share, pushing them into third place behind Reform UK. Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer emerged victorious, marking the first Green win in a by-election.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Keir Starmer remained determined, vowing to continue the fight for change. He acknowledged the public’s impatience for progress and emphasized the need to deliver on the promises made. Starmer’s team stressed the importance of focusing on the cost of living and staying committed to mainstream British values.
Several Labour MPs expressed frustration over the defeat, with some believing that Andy Burnham could have secured a win if he had been the candidate. Looking ahead, Labour is preparing for the upcoming elections in May, viewing it as a crucial test for Starmer’s leadership and the party’s future in government.