In a dramatic turn for British politics, the Green Party has achieved a landmark victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election, marking the first time the party has ever secured a seat in a Westminster by-election. The result, announced live on BBC Breakfast by hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty on Friday, February 27, 2026, sent shockwaves through the political landscape and prompted immediate reflection on the future of the Labour Party, which suffered a historic defeat in a constituency it had held for nearly a century.
The new Member of Parliament for Gorton and Denton is Hannah Spencer, a local plumber whose campaign resonated with voters seeking change. Spencer’s win was decisive: she garnered 14,980 votes, achieving a majority of over 4,400. Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin came in second with 10,578 votes, while Labour, for decades the dominant force in the area, was relegated to third place with 9,364 votes. According to BBC Breakfast, the Labour vote share in the seat fell by more than 25% compared to the 2024 General Election—a staggering drop that underscores the significance of the Green Party’s breakthrough.
During the live broadcast, Naga Munchetty told viewers, "The Green Party has overturned a significant Labour majority to win the Gorton and Denton by-election in Greater Manchester," while Charlie Stayt added, "The contest had been seen as a key test for Keir Starmer." The by-election result was described by BBC political correspondent Jack Fenwick as a "politically difficult" moment for the Prime Minister. Fenwick elaborated, "The Green Party's first ever Westminster by-election victory is a sign that they can successfully challenge Labour for votes on the left of politics."
Spencer’s victory speech, delivered to the BBC, captured the mood of a constituency—and perhaps a nation—hungry for political alternatives. "I think it's really clear here that people are ready for something different. We're rejecting the political parties that have always shoved us out, and we're rejecting the political parties that are funded by billionaires, who have vested interest. It's really clear that people here today have decided to vote for someone like me, who is actually just pretty normal!" she said, as quoted by the BBC.
The campaign itself was not without controversy. The early stages were dominated by a dispute over whether Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham would be permitted to stand as Labour’s candidate. Ultimately, Labour leader Keir Starmer blocked Burnham from running, a decision that has already sparked debate about its impact on the party’s fortunes in the by-election. As BBC political correspondent Jack Fenwick noted, "This result will likely lead to questions over whether Starmer's decision was the reason for Labour's loss... The Greens will be hoping that their victory here is a sign of things to come at the elections in May and beyond."
The Green Party’s triumph is not only a blow to Labour but also a statement about the shifting political tides in the UK. Chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman described the outcome as "hugely significant." He did not mince words, telling the BBC, "For the Labour Party, it's disastrous." The result is expected to reverberate well beyond Greater Manchester, as the Greens look to build on their momentum in the upcoming local and national elections.
This seismic shift comes at a time when BBC Breakfast itself is under scrutiny for its internal culture and workplace dynamics. Naga Munchetty, who helped break the by-election news, has been at the center of controversy behind the scenes. According to reports from the Mirror, Munchetty allegedly made a critical comment about co-host Sally Nugent’s new hairstyle and polished on-screen presence, suggesting it was more suited to daytime entertainment than serious news. Munchetty reportedly remarked, "We're meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we're presenting This Morning!" The comment, which occurred as the BBC is conducting a review of workplace culture, caused what one source described as a "nasty little moment" within the BBC Breakfast team.
Sally Nugent, who co-hosts the show at the start of the week, had recently showcased her new hairstyle on social media, crediting stylist Calum Tierney. Her transformation received enthusiastic praise from colleagues, highlighting the often intense scrutiny and competitive environment of television news. The BBC has chosen not to comment on individual staff issues, but the ongoing review of workplace culture was initiated following previous controversies, including allegations about Munchetty’s conduct last year. Those allegations led to a formal investigation, which included claims of inappropriate remarks and criticism of an intern over toast preparation. BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani has also faced similar accusations in the past, though those complaints were not substantiated.
Despite the internal tensions, Munchetty remains a prominent presence on the flagship morning show, continuing to deliver major news stories to millions of viewers. The juxtaposition of on-air professionalism and behind-the-scenes drama offers a glimpse into the high-pressure world of live television, where personalities and politics often collide.
As for the political ramifications, the Green Party is already looking ahead. The Gorton and Denton victory gives them a tangible platform from which to campaign for further gains in the May 2026 elections and beyond. Their success in overturning a Labour stronghold could embolden other smaller parties and independents, while Labour faces the arduous task of rebuilding trust and support in its traditional heartlands.
The by-election result is also likely to spark a broader conversation within Labour about leadership, candidate selection, and the party’s direction. The decision to block Andy Burnham, a popular local figure, from standing has been cited as a potential turning point in the campaign. Whether this was a decisive factor or simply a symptom of deeper voter dissatisfaction remains to be seen, but as Fenwick observed, questions about Starmer’s leadership choices are unlikely to fade quickly.
For now, the spotlight is firmly on Hannah Spencer and the Green Party. Their victory in Gorton and Denton is more than a local upset—it is a signal that the British political landscape is evolving, and that voters are willing to defy tradition in search of new voices. As the dust settles, all eyes will be on how Labour responds, how the Greens capitalize on their momentum, and how the BBC navigates its own internal challenges while continuing to inform and engage a rapidly changing audience.
With the next round of elections on the horizon, and with both political and media institutions under the microscope, the events of February 27, 2026, may well be remembered as a day when the status quo was upended—and when the winds of change blew through both Parliament and the BBC studios.