Greens name Gorton and Denton by-election pick

The Green Party will be represented by Hannah Spencer in the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.

The 34-year-old plumber currently leads the Greens on Trafford Council, where she has represented the Hale ward since May 2023.

Thanking party members for her nomination, Spencer said: "Reform have chosen a candidate that will divide our community - he doesn't even think many of the people who live and work here are even British. I will bring the people of Gorton and Denton together."

The by-election on 26 February in the Greater Manchester constituency was triggered by the resignation of Andrew Gwynne on health grounds.

Spencer, who stood in the 2024 Greater Manchester mayoral election, said: "I work as a plumber, something I've done since leaving education at 16. I'm training to become a plasterer too.

"I've lived in the constituency and still work here. So, I know the issues and what people want to change."

She added: "This is a crucial by-election. The choice is clear – Green v Reform. Hope v hate."

Her party's leader Zack Polanski said: "I'm a Mancunian and know when someone genuinely wants to roll up their sleeves and work for the community.