The Greens’ Gorton and Denton by-election win was about inclusion — not sectarianism

What an unforgettable evening. Not only did the Green Party secure its first parliamentary by-election triumph in Gorton and Denton, but they also flipped a Labour stronghold that had held a majority of more than 13,000 votes for years. This wasn’t just a political shift—it was a message that a new kind of political movement is emerging, one that prioritizes connection over division.

Initially, I never imagined writing this. The return of a Green MP to the North of England marked a historic moment, but the broader implications of this result are even more significant. It signaled that hope can triumph over hostility, and that inclusion can reshape the political landscape.

A New Era in Political Communication

Yesterday’s victory demonstrated that modern politics can be more than a monologue. The traditional approach, often dominated by Westminster voices and English-centric rhetoric, failed to resonate with communities where nearly 40% of residents identify as Muslim. In places like Gorton and Denton, where many speak Urdu, Bangla, or Arabic at home, language becomes a crucial tool for engagement.

While opponents used crisp Radio 4 English to deliver their message, this strategy only reached so far. The Greens recognized that to truly connect, they had to speak the language of the people—both literally and metaphorically. This meant creating materials in multiple languages and using videos like the Urdu campaign clip to reflect lived experiences.

“Language should never be a barrier to participation; it should be a bridge.”

The critique that our approach is divisive or sectarian misses the mark. It’s not about separating communities, but about ensuring their voices are heard. Multilingual outreach, as seen in campaigns like Zohran Mamdani’s in New York, expands political discourse by inviting diverse perspectives into the mainstream conversation.

Reframing the Political Narrative

Issues like rent, healthcare, and social cohesion matter to everyone, regardless of their first language. Whether someone speaks English or Punjabi, Urdu, Somali, or any other tongue, their concerns are valid and relevant. This victory showed that when people see themselves represented, they’re more likely to trust the system and believe in its potential.

The Greens’ campaign in Gorton and Denton was clear: we’re here to listen and to act. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a politics that values every citizen’s participation. The 26.5% swing toward the Greens reflects a growing appetite for inclusive representation.

With this win, the Greens aren’t just adding to their parliamentary presence. They’re proving that when communities feel seen and heard, the political process can become a source of empowerment rather than exclusion.

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