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I predict a Green wave in the local elections. Anyone who thinks our byelection win was an outlier is mistaken

47 0
07.03.2026

This week, I sat in the gallery of the House of Commons and watched a historic moment unfold: Hannah Spencer was sworn in as the MP for Gorton and Denton, making her the first female plumber to sit in parliament, and the first ever Green MP in the north of England.

It marked the start of a new era: for Gorton and Denton, for the Green party and for British politics across the board. It’s not hyperbole to say that our win – in a seat that was 127th on our target list – has changed everything.

A major poll this week proves this, showing that people intend to vote Green at the next election in higher numbers than ever. We have leapfrogged Labour in the polls and are nipping at Reform UK’s heels – because people can see that we are the only party genuinely taking the fight to Reform and spelling out clearly how we’ll end rip-off Britain.

In less than 70 days’ time, we will have elections for local councils, mayors and the Welsh Senedd. I predict a Green wave sweeping England and Wales. I’ve been visiting local Green parties from Hackney to Huddersfield. Even before our win in Gorton and Denton, the energy and drive from the hundreds of supporters turning out in each place was breathtaking. That energy will only gather force now.

There are some in Labour who are clearly looking to learn lessons for their party from the massive loss they suffered........

© The Guardian