Summary
Labour leader Keir Starmer said he will continue fighting after Labour lost a by-election to the Green Party in Gorton and Denton, Greater Manchester. The Green Party's victory has sparked criticism of Starmer's leadership, with some Labour members calling for his resignation. The loss also raises questions about Labour's strategy ahead of upcoming elections in Scotland, Wales, and some English councils.
Key Facts
- Labour lost a by-election in Gorton and Denton to the Green Party, dropping to third place behind Reform UK.
- Labour had held the seat for nearly 100 years before this by-election.
- The Green Party candidate, Hannah Spencer, won with nearly 41% of the vote.
- Labour leader Keir Starmer faces criticism from within his party, with calls for him to resign.
- The defeat puts pressure on Starmer before important elections in other parts of the UK.
- Some blame Labour's decision to block popular local politician Andy Burnham from running as a candidate for the loss.
- The by-election occurred because former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne resigned after being suspended.
- The Conservative Party had their worst by-election result with just 706 votes, placing fourth.
