The Greens’ Gorton and Denton by-election win was about inclusion — not sectarianism
The Greens’ Gorton and Denton by-election win was about inclusion — not sectarianism
It was a night to remember for the Green Party. Not just because we secured our first parliamentary by-election victory in Gorton and Denton, but because we challenged a Labour majority that had stood for over 13,000 votes. And I never imagined I’d write this — not just for the return of a Green MP to the North of England, but for a broader shift in how politics is shaped.
Last night, we demonstrated that a new political direction is achievable in the UK. One rooted in hope, not hostility, and in unity, not division. The message was clear: politics can be a force for inclusion, not exclusion.
People in Gorton and Denton felt that hope again. Even as Labour and Reform’s disappointed supporters attempted to dismiss our inclusive campaign as a threat, the impact of our efforts was undeniable. This wasn’t just a symbolic win — it was a real reconnection with communities long overlooked.
“You can’t put a price on that — even as the sore losers in Labour and Reform try and invalidate our inclusive campaign as something sinister.”
A key factor in our success wasn’t just the policies we advocated or the candidate we ran — Hannah Spencer, whose dedication was undeniable — but how we reached people. Politics in the UK has often relied on a single, top-down voice, speaking to citizens in a manner that feels distant and exclusive.
Too frequently, the language of Westminster has been shaped by southern England’s elite, as seen in Reform’s defeated candidate, Matt Goodwin, who represented a narrow, English-centric perspective. But in Gorton and Denton, where nearly 40% of residents are Muslim and many speak Urdu, Bangla, or Arabic at home, that style simply didn’t resonate.
Our approach broke that mold. We spoke in the languages people actually used — not just in words, but in meaning. Campaign materials were translated, and a viral Urdu video became a powerful symbol of this commitment. It wasn’t a mere tactic, but a declaration that everyone’s voice matters, no matter their background.
Language should be a bridge, not a barrier, in a democracy. Yet some politicians, like Matt Goodwin, have called our strategy divisive, accusing us of fostering sectarianism. They missed the point: multilingual outreach isn’t about splitting communities — it’s about bringing them into the conversation.
Examples from elsewhere show this. In New York, Zohran Mamdani’s campaign used Arabic, Spanish, and Urdu videos to engage communities often sidelined by mainstream politics. That helped expand political dialogue and win over diverse voters, even earning praise from within Labour. The lesson is clear: when people feel represented, they invest in the future.
We told Gorton and Denton residents that our campaign was theirs. That’s exactly what the Greens aim to do — build a politics that empowers, not alienates, by valuing every voice. This win reflects a 26.5% shift toward our values, proving that inclusion can drive real change.
It’s not just about increasing parliamentary representation. It’s about showing communities that their experiences, their languages, and their participation in democracy are not only acknowledged but celebrated. That’s the power of a campaign that listens before it speaks.
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When we talk about rent, bills, the NHS, racism, or peace, these issues cut across all identities. Whether someone speaks English, Punjabi, Urdu, or Somali, their concerns matter. Multilingual campaigning recognizes that reality — it says, loud and clear: your voice counts, and your place is here.
Our victory marks a pivotal moment in a campaign that redefines how we connect with the public. It’s a step toward politics that truly belongs to everyone.
