In a surprising turn of events during the Gorton and Denton by-election, Labour leader Keir Starmer endured a major setback as his party dropped to third place, with the Green Party claiming victory. Green candidate Hannah Spencer secured 14,980 votes, marking a historic first for the Greens in parliamentary by-elections, while Labour's Angeliki Stogia garnered 9,364 votes and Reform UK's Matt Goodwin came second with 10,578 votes. This shift in voting patterns signifies notable changes in the political landscape of the constituency, historically a Labour stronghold.

This substantial loss is particularly alarming for Labour as they previously held a commanding 13,413 majority during the 2024 general election, drawing attention to potential weaknesses within the party under Starmer's leadership. The results signal a serious decline in Labour's popularity, raising concerns about satisfying both progressive and centrist voters. With the Green Party and Reform UK outperforming Labour, questions regarding the party's strategy and appeal to its traditional base are likely to resurface, compelling them to reassess their approach in the current political climate.

The disappointment expressed by Labour chair Anna Turley highlights the urgency within the party to address these electoral challenges. She criticized the