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

"Spencer, a Trafford councillor and plumber by trade, has resided in the constituency in the past and was the Green's candidate for mayor of Manchester during the 2024 election, where she finished fifth behind Labour's Andy Burnham, who retained the post, as well as Conservative, independent and Reform candidates. Her nomination was officially announced on Friday in Longsight, with the decision having been made democratically by local party members in online hustings held the night before."

"Mothin Ali, co-deputy leader of the party and a member of Leeds city council, was also expected to run but is understood to have decided against it, while the party leader, Zack Polanski, who is from Greater Manchester, was also touted to challenge for the constituency, but ruled himself out, instead hoping to vie for a future parliamentary seat in London, where he now lives."

Hannah Spencer will run as the Green Party candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election. She is a Trafford councillor and plumber who has previously lived in the constituency. She was the Green candidate for Manchester mayor in 2024 and finished fifth behind Labour's Andy Burnham and other candidates. Local party members chose her in online hustings, and her nomination was announced in Longsight; she reportedly won by a large majority. Competitors included Fesl Reza-Khan and Sarah Wakefield. Mothin Ali and party leader Zack Polanski were expected or touted but declined. If elected, Spencer would be the Greens' fifth MP, their first in the north, and the youngest at 34. Reform UK has selected Matt Goodwin; Labour's candidate is pending.

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