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

What an unforgettable evening that turned out to be! Not merely because the Green Party secured its first parliamentary by-election victory in Gorton and Denton, but because they shattered a once unshakable Labour majority of over 13,000 votes. And I never imagined I’d write this, not just for returning a Green MP to the North of England, but for something even more profound.

Last night, the electorate signaled a shift toward a new political landscape—one that prioritizes optimism over cynicism and unity over division. This win wasn’t just a milestone; it was a declaration that hope can prevail in British politics, and that inclusion is more powerful than exclusion.

You can’t put a price on that – even as the sore losers in Labour and Reform try and invalidate our inclusive campaign as something sinister.

While the strength of our policies and the dedication of our candidate, Hannah Spencer, played a role, the real catalyst was our approach to communication. UK politics has long relied on monologues, often delivered in a single language—English—without considering the diverse voices within communities. Reform’s defeated candidate, Matt Goodwin from Kent, exemplified this narrow Westminster-centric perspective.

In Gorton and Denton, however, nearly 40% of residents are Muslim, and many grow up with Urdu, Bangla, Arabic, or other languages at home. The old ways of politics simply don’t work here. While opponents used crisp Radio 4 English to convey their message, it wasn’t enough. People needed to hear the same ideas in their own language—figuratively and literally—to feel connected and hopeful.

That’s why we created materials in multiple languages, including a widely shared Urdu video. It wasn’t a superficial tactic or a narrow strategy—it was a genuine effort to reflect the community’s identity and ensure their lived experiences were recognized. In a democracy, language should act as a bridge, not a wall, allowing everyone to participate without feeling alienated.

Some politicians, like Matt Goodwin, have labeled our approach as divisive or “sectarian.” But this misinterprets both our intent and the broader goal of multilingual outreach. Their criticism failed to grasp the message delivered in Urdu or Bangla, which resonated deeply with local voters.

Campaigns in other nations have shown that reaching people in their native languages doesn’t fracture unity—it builds it. Take Zohran Mamdani’s success in New York, where Arabic, Spanish, and Urdu videos expanded political dialogue in communities often overlooked by mainstream parties. His victory, celebrated by many Labour supporters, highlights how such strategies can bridge gaps.

Issues like rent, bills, the NHS, racism, and peace matter to everyone—whether they speak English at home or Punjabi, Somali, or any other language. Multilingual campaigning acknowledges this reality, stating clearly: Your voice counts. Your concerns matter. You belong here.

We told Gorton and Denton residents that our campaign was built for them and their community. This is the kind of politics the Greens strive to create—one that empowers rather than excludes. The 26.5% shift toward our party in this election isn’t just about increased representation in parliament. It’s a testament to the impact of truly inclusive engagement, where language is respected and participation is valued.

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