Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has suffered a major political setback after the Green Party captured the parliamentary seat of Gorton and Denton in Greater Manchester; a constituency Labor had dominated for nearly a century. The upset marks the Greens’ first-ever by-election victory and underscores the growing fragility of the UK’s traditional two-party system.
The defeat is particularly embarrassing for Starmer, whose Labor Party not only lost the seat but fell to third place behind Reform UK. Critics within Labor described the result as “catastrophic,” with some MPs openly questioning his leadership. Calls for accountability have intensified, adding pressure on Starmer at a time of political turbulence.
Public reaction has been swift. Supporters of the Green Party celebrated the victory as a breakthrough moment for environmental politics in Britain. “This shows people are ready for change and want a party that takes climate and social justice seriously,” said one voter in Manchester. On social media, many praised Hannah Spencer, the green candidate, for running a grassroots campaign that resonated with younger voters.
Labor loyalists, however, expressed shock and disappointment. “We never imagined losing here, it was supposed to be safe,” said a local activist, reflecting the sense of betrayal among long-time supporters. Some argued that the party’s message has grown disconnected from everyday concerns, while others blamed internal divisions for weakening Labor’s appeal.
Political analysts abroad view the result as a warning sign for Britain’s political establishment. The Greens’ success, they argue, highlights voter frustration with mainstream parties and signals a potential reshaping of the UK’s electoral landscape.
The by-election defeat has reignited debate about whether Labour under Starmer can maintain its dominance, or whether Britain is entering a new era where smaller parties play a decisive role in shaping national politics.
