Greens select former mayoral candidate to run in Gorton and Denton byelection

The Green Party has chosen Hannah Spencer, a Trafford councillor and former mayoral candidate, to contest the Gorton and Denton byelection. Spencer, who has a background as a plumber, previously ran for mayor of Manchester in 2024, finishing fifth in a race dominated by Labour's Andy Burnham. She has lived in the constituency, adding to her local ties as she prepares for this electoral challenge. This development highlights the ongoing trend of local candidates stepping up for parliamentary positions, reflecting a broader movement within UK politics towards grassroots representation. Spencer's candidacy underscores the Green Party's strategy to capitalize on local connections and previous electoral experiences to strengthen their presence in traditionally Labour-dominated areas. The choice of a candidate with a working-class background, such as Spencer, also resonates with a growing public desire for authenticity and relatability in political figures. As byelections often serve as barometers for public sentiment, Spencer's campaign could provide insights into the shifting dynamics of voter priorities and party support in the UK, particularly in the context of environmental issues and local governance.