The Gorton and Denton by-election took place on 26 February 2026. The election was held after former MP Andrew Gwynne resign from his position. Voters in the constituency went to the polls to choose a new Member of Parliament (MP).
The result surprise many people across the UK because the Green Party won a seat that has been consider a strong Labour area for many years. The victory was seen as one of the most important by-election results of 2026.
Who Won the Gorton and Denton By-Election?
The winner was Hannah Spencer from the Green Party.
She receive 14,980 votes, which is 40.7% of all votes cast. This gave her a majority of 4,402 votes over the second-place candidate.
This victory made history because it was:
- The Green Party’s first by-election win.
- The Green Party’s first MP in northern England.
- The party’s fifth MP in the UK Parliament.
Full Gorton and Denton By-Election Results
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Vote Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hannah Spencer | Green Party | 14,980 | 40.7% |
| Matt Goodwin | Reform UK | 10,578 | 28.7% |
| Angeliki Stogia | Labour | 9,364 | 25.4% |
| Charlotte Cadden | Conservative | 706 | 1.9% |
| Jackie Pearcey | Liberal Democrat | 653 | 1.8% |
Several smaller parties also took part in the election.
Why Was This Result Important?
The result was important because Labour had held this area for decades. Many political experts expected a close contest between Labour, Reform UK, and the Green Party.
Instead, the Green Party won comfortably, while Labour finished in third place. Many commentators described the result as a major setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party.
What Happened to Labour?
Labour lost a large number of votes compared with the 2024 General Election.
The party’s vote share fell by more than 25 percentage points, which was one of the biggest drops seen in a recent by-election. Many voters chose the Green Party instead.
Political analysts believe several issues influenced voters, including local concerns, national politics, and dissatisfaction with Labour’s direction.
Reform UK Comes Second
Reform UK finished in second place with 10,578 votes and 28.7% of the vote.
The party increased its support compared with previous elections but was unable to catch the Green Party. Despite strong campaigning, Reform UK finished more than 4,000 votes behind the winner.
Voter Turnout
The turnout for the by-election was around 47.6%, meaning nearly half of eligible voters took part in the election. This was very similar to turnout levels seen in the constituency during the 2024 General Election.
What Does This Mean for UK Politics?
Many political experts believe the Gorton and Denton by-election shows that UK politics is becoming more competitive.
But the result suggests that smaller parties such as the Green Party can now challenge larger parties in seats that were once considered safe. It also highlights the growing competition between Labour, Reform UK, and the Greens in many parts of the country.
The victory has given the Green Party new momentum and could influence future local and national elections.
Conclusion
The Gorton and Denton by-election of 2026 was one of the most significant political events of the year. The Green Party achieved a historic victory, with Hannah Spencer winning 40.7% of the vote and becoming the new MP for the constituency.
The result was a major defeat for Labour and showed that political support in the UK is changing.But as future elections approach, many people will be watching to see whether the Green Party can build on this success and whether Labour can win back voters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Gorton and Denton by-election in 2026?
Hannah Spencer of the Green Party won the election but with 14,980 votes and 40.7% of the vote.
When was the Gorton and Denton by-election held?
Firstly, the by-election was held on 26 February 2026.
Why was the by-election held?
The election was called after Andrew Gwynne resigned as MP.
Which party came second?
Reform UK finished second with 10,578 votes.
What was the voter turnout?
Turnout was approximately 47.6%.