The recent by-election results in Gorton and Denton mark a worrying trend for the Labour Party, which lost to the Greens in an area it had previously won by a significant margin just 18 months ago. This defeat underscores the pressure Labour is facing not only from Reform UK on the right but also from the Greens on the left, complicating the party's strategic positioning under Keir Starmer's leadership. The unexpected victory of Hannah Spencer from the Greens, who secured a comfortable majority, highlights the shifting dynamics in voter preferences and poses serious questions about Labour's ability to connect with its traditional base.

Labour MPs have expressed growing alarm over the implications of this defeat, as many had warned that finishing third would be a catastrophic blow to Starmer's leadership, following recent challenges within the party. The party had invested heavily into this by-election, deploying significant resources and political capital with the hope of regaining voter confidence ahead of upcoming elections. However, the outcome raises concerns about the effectiveness of Labour's campaign strategy and the potential alienation of its electorate.

As Labour grapples with these troubling results, the emergence of the Greens as a viable alternative for voters in Greater Manchester may compel the party to reassess its policies and messaging in order to reclaim lost support. The results serve as a grim reminder for Labour that the political landscape is evolving, and the party must adapt quickly to changing voter expectations to avoid further electoral setbacks in the future.