Hale councillor Hannah Spencer has made political history, becoming the first Green Party candidate ever to win a Westminster by-election after a stunning victory in Gorton and Denton.
The 34-year-old plumber, who has represented Hale ward on Trafford Council since May 2023 and leads the Green group there, swept to victory with 14,980 votes - nearly 41% of the total - giving her a majority of more than 4,400 votes over Reform UK's Matt Goodwin, who finished second with 10,578.
Labour's Angeliki Stogia came third with 9,364, a result that will send shockwaves through a party that has long considered Greater Manchester its heartland.
Spencer is now the Green Party's fifth MP in Westminster and their first ever to represent a seat in the north of England.
Turnout stood at 47.6%, marginally down on the 47.8% recorded in the same constituency at the 2024 general election.
In her victory speech, Spencer said: "I didn't grow up wanting to be a politician. I am a plumber. I am no different to every single person here in this constituency. I work hard. That is what we do."
"I didn't grow up wanting to be a politician, I'm a plumber"
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) February 27, 2026
Hannah Spencer celebrates her win in Gorton and Denton as the Green Party claim their first ever Westminster by-election
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She also revealed that she had qualified as a plasterer just two weeks ago - and offered an apology to any customers with outstanding bookings. "I'm heading to Parliament," she told them.
Spencer, who brought her four greyhounds on the campaign trail, promised to fight for everyone in the constituency, including those who didn't vote for her.
"Earning your trust starts now," she said. "I see you and I will fight for you."
"Hale is part of that story"
Speaking after her win, Spencer paid tribute to the Hale community that first elected her two years ago.
"It was such an honour to be elected as a councillor for Hale in 2023. I'm grateful, and thrilled, that the people of Hale voted for me, and now the people of Gorton and Denton have done the same," she said. "They chose hope over hate. This is the beginning of something massive.
"I will be continuing to work hard with Orla and Jane as your local Green Party team for Hale, getting things done, making a difference on the issues that matter. The result shows that the Green Party can win anywhere. It is an historic win and Hale is part of that story."
Spencer was appointed leader of the Green group on Trafford Council in May 2025, taking over from Michael Welton who had held the position for two years.
