Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer promises “a different way of doing politics” in Gorton and Denton

The Green Party of England and Wales confirmed Hannah Spencer as its candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election on 26 February, following a vote of local members.

Ms Spencer, a working-class plumber, was selected after a hustings attended by party members. She described the process as evidence of how the Greens “function democratically”, contrasting it with larger parties where, she said, candidates are often chosen by central leadership.

Speaking to the Tameside Reporter, she said the past week had been “wild” but an honour.

“My life has changed a lot in the last week or so, but in the best possible way,” she said. “It feels like a privilege to be able to do this.”

HMOs and housing development

One of the recurring concerns raised with candidates has been the number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in parts of Denton and Gorton, alongside wider housing development.

Ms Spencer said housing is a key issue on the doorstep.

“I know the issues people really care about, whether that’s housing development or antisocial behaviour,” she said.

She argued that decisions around housing must reflect the needs of existing residents and ensure developments are properly planned and supported by local services.

“People don’t feel like they’ve been listened to very much,” she said, adding that communities need representatives who will scrutinise proposals carefully and push for developments that genuinely improve neighbourhoods rather than place extra strain on them.

Antisocial behaviour

Antisocial behaviour was another issue highlighted by residents, particularly in shopping areas and near schools.

While acknowledging that the term can mean different things to different people, Ms Spencer said it reflects real day-to-day frustrations.

“That is a huge problem for a lot of residents here at the moment,” she said. “These are the things that affect people’s daily lives.”

She said tackling the issue requires both visible action and community engagement, arguing that people want to feel safe and heard rather than dismissed.

“It’s about showing that you’re actually listening and that you’re going to work hard to make things better,” she said.

Living locally

Ms Spencer said her connection to the area is one of her strengths. She previously lived nearby and has worked in Denton.

“I’ve worked here quite a bit, and I used to live just down the road,” she said.

She suggested that some residents feel geographically and politically overlooked. “Even the geography of it, people feel like no one’s ever really cared or paid attention.”

She believes having a candidate with local knowledge, and one selected directly by party members rather than imposed by leadership, is important.

“I had to show local members I was the right candidate and they backed me,” she said, describing the Greens as a party “powered by normal people”.

A broader message

Beyond local issues, Ms Spencer said her campaign is about restoring trust in politics and demonstrating that Parliament should not be dominated by what she describes as “the elite”.

“I am a human. I’m not perfect. Nobody’s perfect,” she said. “But I want to show that working people from normal backgrounds can get a seat at the table.”

She argued that voters are increasingly frustrated with politics and want representatives who “graft” and focus on communities rather than careers.

“It would be an absolute honour to get people’s votes,” she said. “We work hard to get elected, and we work hard when we’re in those positions. It’s about restoring trust and showing there’s a different way of doing politics.”

Voters in Gorton and Denton will head to the polls on 26 February to choose their next MP.