Gorton and Denton result live: Labour appears to admit defeat as Greens confident of win in vital by-election

Labour’s candidate Angeliki Stogia has arrived with the party’s deputy leader Lucy Powell ahead of the result being declared from 4am.

The pair walked in to the count venue in silence and were met by no applause or cheers, amid speculation that Labour may have come third in tonight’s by-election.

Media hacks are now waiting keenly for the Green Party’s Hannah Spencer and Reform’s Matt Goodwin to arrive.

The Labour Party appears to have conceded in the Gorton and Denton by-election, amid growing speculation that the Greens may have won.

In a damning admission at around 3am, the party’s deputy leader said the Greens “have managed to win that argument that they were best placed” to keep Reform UK out of Gorton and Denton.

It came after Zack Polanski’s party said “things are feeling positive” for the Greens in the Labour stronghold.

Speaking to Sky News, Lucy Powell said: “I wanted Angeliki Stogia to be my colleague in Parliament.“But I think what is really clear is that there is a big majority in this constituency that hasn’t voted for Reform. And on the day the Greens have managed to win that argument that they were best placed to do that.

“But I’m not sure whether that would totally translate in a general election.”

She added that “parties of government too often lose by-elections midterm like this” and that “at the next general election, the choice across the country, not just in one constituency, will be between a Reform government or a Labour government, and I think that will focus people’s minds in a different way.”

“We’ve got to, of course, take stock, as we always do, and show humility and that we are hearing what people are saying.”

The Labour Party has admitted defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, amid speculation that the Greens may have won.

In a damning admission at around 3am, the party’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, said the Greens “have managed to win that argument that they were best placed” to keep Reform UK out of Gorton and Denton.

It came after Zack Polanski’s party said “things are feeling positive” for the Greens in the Labour stronghold.

While it is too early to call the result in a race that is expected to be extremely tight, the Green Party appears to be confident in tonight’s by-election, with a party source predicting a “seismic moment” in UK politics.

If the Greens win tonight, it would be the party’s first-ever victory in a parliamentary by-election.

A Labour defeat in the party’s long-time stronghold would be a major blow to Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, which has been the subject of speculation for months amid devastating approval ratings and questions over the direction of government.

The party has sought to pitch itself as the only option for anti-Reform voters, but a loss would undermine that claim in future elections. Instead, it would boost the Greens’ credibility on that front and chip away at Labour’s ailing support base even further.

The Greens appeared confident that they were in the lead as counting was underway in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

A Labour defeat in the party’s long-time stronghold in Gorton and Denton would be a major blow to Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.

Labour sought to pitch itself as the only option for anti-Reform voters, but a loss would undermine that claim in future elections and instead boost the Greens’ credibility on that front.

A Green Party source said, “Things are feeling positive.”Whatever happens, I think it’s fair to say that Greens are here to stay now as a progressive voice in British politics.”I think it’s a seismic moment in British politics where Greens are showing that they’re a party that can protect the country from the threat of Reform, and that Labour’s not up to the job.”

Labour sources sounded more downbeat, telling the Press Association: “Early signs at the count indicate the Greens have been able to turn out support in a way they wouldn’t be able to replicate at a general election.

“Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley earlier said she was “really optimistic” about Labour’s chances, but cautioned: “Of course incumbent government always find it difficult to fight by-elections.”

Labour want the authorities to look into claims of high levels of “family voting” in the Gorton and Denton by-election, with the party’s chairwoman describing the findings as “very concerning”.

Anna Turley was among the political leaders to react to a report by election observer group Democracy Volunteers that claimed to have witnessed the illegal practice in 68 per cent of 22 polling stations monitored.

“Family voting” – where two voters either confer, collude or direct each other on voting – was made illegal by the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023.

A Labour MP has told Sky News that Sir Keir Starmer “must own this catastrophe” as the Greens appear to edge ahead in Gorton and Denton by-election.

The MP, who was not named by the broadcaster, said: “We can’t out right wing Reform whilst at the same time try out left winging the Greens. Labour should perhaps just be Labour.

“Truth is McSweeney forced Starmer into the room with the NEC to block the most popular Labour politician in England in Andy Burnham. That showed weakness not strength.

“Keir has got away, for too long, with saying he hadn’t been involved when decisions taken have gone wrong. This time he, Keir, must own this catastrophe.

“The Greens with a foothold in Manchester is nothing less than a disaster for the Party. We can fight Reform on policy but we cannot appear more progressive than the Greens. Not under this leadership.”

Afzal Khan, the Labour MP for the neighbouring Rusholme constituency in Manchester, appeared confident as he arrived at the by-election count.Mr Khan said he was encouraged by the number of people he had seen going to the polls and his party’s “ground” operation to get out the vote.

He said: “People are coming out to vote. Despite the rain, fasting and everything. I think they’re coming out.”Earlier in the day, Labour said they had 1,000 activists out in the constituency.

Mr Khan said: “Probably a record number. I’ve never seen so many in 25 years.

“Asked how he felt the vote would go for Labour, he replied: “I think we should…” nodded and smiled.

He added: “Let me go in there once, and then I’ll have a better idea. Thank you.”