Gorton and Denton by-election defeat leaves Starmer in office – but not in power |
As Labour reflects upon coming a miserable third in the Gorton by-election, Herald writer Brian Taylor examines the consequences for each of the political parties – and for Scotland.
Voting changes things, contrary to the common view of the cynic. The remarkable by-election in Gorton and Denton will change politics. Within limits.
Is this a calamitous result for Labour? It is indeed. Dreadful, abysmal. Third place in an area of Manchester they had represented at Westminster for nearly a century.
Will it bring about the speedy departure of the Prime Minister? That is much less certain. For one thing, he is decidedly resistant. For another, possible contenders are hesitant.
But, firstly, warm congratulations are due to Hannah Spencer of the Greens. The working plumber who has soundly thumped the party of Labour. She insists she is “ordinary” – but this is an extraordinary victory.
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The first time in history the Greens have won a Westminster by-election. Indeed, they had never previously registered more than ten per cent.
Was this a protest vote? It was indeed. But much more than a transient whimper of discontent. This was a shriek of pain from voters who are utterly sick of politics as presently practised – and thoroughly fed up of the Prime Minister.
Labour took this seat less than two years ago with more than 50 per cent of the popular vote. In the by-election, that vote nearly halved and Labour skulked home in a miserable third place, behind the Greens and........