Hannah Spencer, the newly elected Green Party MP for Gorton and Denton, formally took her seat in the House of Commons on Wednesday, pledging to be 'a fierce voice for climate justice and economic equality.'
Spencer's victory in the February 27 by-election, where she won 42% of the vote, marked the Green Party's second seat in Parliament alongside co-leader Carla Denyer. She defeated the Labour candidate by 2,847 votes, flipping a seat that had been Labour-held since 1935.
In her maiden speech, Spencer focused on local issues including housing affordability, NHS waiting lists, and flood defenses. 'The people of Gorton and Denton have sent a clear message that they are tired of business as usual,' she said.
Political realignment in Manchester
Political analysts see the by-election result as further evidence of Labour's erosion in its traditional heartlands, particularly over the party's stance on the Gaza conflict and net-zero transition pace. Spencer campaigned heavily on a 'ceasefire now' platform and a Green New Deal for local communities.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Spencer on her win but dismissed suggestions of a wider realignment. 'By-elections are always unique contests,' he said.
The people of Gorton and Denton have sent a clear message that they are tired of business as usual. I will not let them down.
Spencer will serve on the Environmental Audit Select Committee and has already signaled her intention to introduce a private member's bill on renewable energy financing for local councils.
