The Labour Party faced a significant setback on February 27, 2024, when it lost the local election in Gorton and Denton, Greater Manchester. This defeat was announced just minutes into the broadcast of ITV’s flagship breakfast show, Good Morning Britain. Hosts Kate Garraway and Ranvir Singh revealed that the Labour stronghold, which had been held for nearly a century, has now shifted to the Green Party. Hannah Spencer has become the first Green MP in the North of England, marking a historic moment for the party.
The election results showed the Green Party claiming victory in what was once viewed as a safe Labour seat, with Reform UK finishing in a distant second. This outcome has significant implications for the Labour leadership, particularly for Keir Starmer, who previously characterized the election as “a battle for the soul of the nation.”
While discussing the results with reporter Louisa Jameson from Manchester, Singh highlighted the remarkable achievement of the Green Party. “It is absolutely remarkable what they’ve achieved there overnight,” she stated. Amid celebrations in Manchester, Jameson noted that the atmosphere was electric as Spencer arrived to jubilant supporters and media.
The implications of this election extend beyond just one seat. Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, was visibly affected by the news. As the results were announced, she was seen reacting to the figures on her mobile phone, which painted a grim picture for Labour. Jameson remarked, “What Labour MPs have been telling me darkly for a few weeks now is that this exact scenario—a Green win, Reform in second, Labour in third—is their worst nightmare.”
The dynamics of local politics have shifted dramatically, raising questions about Starmer’s leadership and strategy. Just two years prior, Spencer and popular Labour politician Andy Burnham vied for the Greater Manchester mayoralty, with Burnham winning by more than 375,000 votes. The decision to prevent Burnham from standing in this election is now under scrutiny, with many Labour MPs likely to reassess their strategy moving forward.
Jameson pointed out that Labour’s focus had largely been on attacking Reform UK led by Nigel Farage, neglecting the Green Party as a potential threat. The outcome has now exposed a vulnerability, as many Labour MPs sit on smaller majorities, prompting calls for the party to reconsider its approach.
The loss in Gorton and Denton serves as a wake-up call for Labour, reflecting broader challenges as the political landscape in the UK evolves. With the Greens now having their fifth MP and celebrating their first by-election victory, Labour faces pressing questions about its future and the strategies it must deploy to regain lost ground. The party’s next moves will be closely watched, especially as internal discussions about leadership and direction intensify.
