Hannah Spencer is the new Green Party MP, but what was her life like before politics? (Picture: Getty Images)
All eyes are on Hannah Spencer, the 34-year-old plumber who took the Gorton and Denton by-election in a sweeping victory for the Greens.
The Mancunian and the Greens celebrated the party’s first-ever by-election win as the results were counted, giving her a lead of 4,402 votes.
While Labour, for whom the loss behind both Greens and Reform was the ultimate nightmare, will begin the painful process of licking their wounds, the spotlight is on Hannah.
Here is a deep dive into her background and life.
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Where is Hannah Spencer from?
Hannah Spencer was born in Bolton, where she studied to become a plumber (Picture: Bruce Adams/Daily Mail)
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Hannah Spencer was born in Bolton, a town northwest of Manchester City, which forms part of Greater Manchester.
She left school at 16 and took a stint at a sixth form before dropping out and finding her vocation.
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Her current home is in Trafford, where she reportedly owns two homes in the Altrincham and Sale West area, one of which she bought with her former partner.
Earlier, Spencer has reportedly lived in Levenshulme, which is part of Gorton and Denton constituency.
Is she really a plumber?
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Yes, she has worked in the trades for years and owns her business, Hannah’s Household Plumbing.
She reportedly became a plumber around 2008 and she went on to earn a National Vocational Qualification in the profession from Bolton College.
She has also completed an NVQ in gas engineering, and started a plastering course in the new year.
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Spencer has shared about her work online and talked about the stereotypes she has come across as a woman in the industry.
During her victory speech this morning, she joked about having to ‘cancel the work’ that has been booked.
She said: ‘Now, to my customers, I’m sorry, but I think I might have to cancel the work that you haven’t booked in, because I’m heading to parliament.’
When did she get into politics?
Spencer, who is a dog lover and proud owner of four rescue greyhounds, got into politics because of the animals and her passion to have dog racing banned.
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And her political career and experience of elections has quickly mounted since.
After joining the Greens in 2022, she was elected as a local councillor for the Hale ward in Trafford the following year.
And in 2024, she was already eyeing up the Greater Manchester mayoral job held by Andy Burnham. She entered the race as Green Party’s candidate and finished fifth with almost 46,000 votes.
Hannah Spencer supported Zack Polanski in his Green Party leadership bid last year, and Polanski returned the favour by endorsing her in the Gorton and Denton race (Picture: AFP/Getty)
Last month, she was officially selected as the Green Party candidate for Gorton and Denton to challenge Labour and Reform, who many predicted would compete for the election win.
What does she stand for?
Spencer pitched her campaign on politicians being genuinely relatable, andbeing against hate and division, which she has accused right-wing parties like Reform of sowing.
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campaigned for the rights of workers and women, including trans women, and the people of Gaza.
Her ‘number one priority’ in the by-election was to ‘cut the cost of living’ and ‘fight between hope and hate.’
She said during the race: ‘We need more people from all backgrounds in the places where decisions are made.’
Spencer has also been vocal about opposing the far right and calling out Islamophobia.
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In her election victory speech, she said: ‘I won’t accept this victory tonight without calling out politicians and divisive figures who constantly scapegoat and blame our communities for all the problems in society.
‘My Muslim friends and neighbours are just like me, human.’
Hawaii is currently suffering its worst flooding in more than 20 years, with people in the hardest-hit areas being urged to “LEAVE NOW” by officials.
One of the largest dams on the Oahu island is at “risk of imminent failure”, warned the island’s emergency team on social media.
“We’ve got a little over 4,000 people directly within the dam evacuation area,” said Molly Pierce, a spokesperson for the Oahu Department of Emergency Management, according to Sky’s partner newsroom NBC.
“It could fail,” Ms Pierce said of the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam.
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The team also warned the only remaining access road out of the nearby town of Waialua is at “high risk of failure”.
Image: Flooded streets in Haleiwa, Hawaii on Friday. Pic: AP
“Residents in the Waialua area are strongly urged to LEAVE NOW. The remaining access road out of Waialua is at high risk of failure if rainfall continues,” posted the Emergency Management team on X on Saturday afternoon UK time.
More than 5,500 people north of Honolulu are under evacuation orders because of the historic weather.
The situation was made worse by a storm last week, which had already left the ground saturated and susceptible to flooding.
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Hawaii Governor Josh Green said the cost of the storm could reach $1bn (around £750m), with airports, schools, roads, homes and a hospital all damaged.
“This is going to have a very serious consequence for us as a state,” Mr Green said.
With the exception of emergency workers, Hawaii’s state employees have been sent home to “allow families to focus on getting to safety”, he told reporters.
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“With catastrophic flash flooding already impacting parts of Oahu, including evacuation orders on the North Shore and the potential for dam-related impacts, we are taking this situation extremely seriously.”
Image: Local residents offered to help each other amid the flooding. Pic: Ricardo Taviera/@hawaiiecodivers
Oahu’s North Shore is famous for its big-wave surfing but the area was submerged in vast stretches of muddy floodwater, as the floods lifted homes and cars.
On social media, local residents were organising clean-up parties and rescue attempts, with one man filming as he tried to rescue a neighbour’s cat from the muddy waters.
“Mahalo for your service to the community,” replied one Instagram user.
All ten boroughs will benefit from £18m national drive to restore ailing parks
Greater Manchester is set to benefit from a national £18m drive to improve or build new playgrounds in deprived communities.
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The fund was first announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget in November – but tonight the 66 areas around the country which will get a share of the cash has been revealed.
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The cash is ‘to buy new or upgrade playgrounds across the country’, according to an update from Communities Secretary Steve Reed. Areas with the ‘highest income deprivation affecting children and the poorest access to play’ have been chosen, according to the government.
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A further £301m is being invested to revive struggling high streets as part of the government’s ‘pride in place’ strategy, it has also been announced. The details of where this money is to be spent is yet to be announced.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed said: “People have watched their communities decline for too long, with little say over how they’re run. This government is determined to change that – giving communities the tools, the funding and the power they need to rebuild.
“From new playgrounds to reimagined high streets, we’re putting power back in people’s hands. People across the country will see and feel the difference this investment makes, restoring pride in local areas.”
Funding for playgrounds will flow straight to local areas, with no requirements to bid or compete against other places, according to the government. Councils receiving funding ‘will also be encouraged to consider buying British materials’.
Mum-of-five Stacey shared a video montage of her son from over the years
Stacey Solomon has left her fans feeling emotional with a tribute to her eldest child on his 18th birthday.
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Prior to meeting her husband Joe Swash, X Factor singer Stacey had sons Zachary and Leighton from a previous relationship. She and Joe went on to have three children, Rex, six, Rose, four, Belle, three.
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Taking to Instagram on Saturday (March 21), Stacey posted a video montage of Zachary from over the years. Throughout the video he could be seen looking after his younger siblings.
She captioned the post: “I blinked & my baby boy turned 18. Zachary, growing up with you has been the biggest privilege of my life. Looking through our memories, every video I have of you shows just how special you are.
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“The kindest man with the biggest heart. The world is so lucky to have an human like you in it. Happy birthday darling boy.
“To the moon & stars and back again. sorry that I’ve spent the whole morning crying. I’ll pull myself together eventually.”
Returning to her account later in the day, Stacey proceeded to share a number of pictures of her and Zachary from his birthday. Stacey stunned in white sleeveless jumpsuit, while Zachary sported a casual black t-shirt and shorts.
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“Today is all about you Zachary. 18 wonderful years of you. We are SO lucky. Now let’s go OUT out @zachsolomon08,” she wrote.
The comments sections of Stacey’s posts saw her famous friends and fans rushing to explain why they got emotional by her kind words and wish Zachary a happy birthdAY.
Celebs Go Dating’s Nadia Essex said: “He really does have kind eyes. What a joy. You must be so proud.” Beauty expert Caroline Hirons added: “Happy Birthday Zachy!”
@squashedpickle wrote: “Happy birthday Zac! You’ve both watch each other grow.” @little_house_life posted: “Aw beautiful video Stacey. Happy 18th Birthday to Zach.”
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@woodenyoulove1 commented: “Such a beautiful montage of your Zachary. Happy birthday young man.” @marie_buckingham stated: “Beautiful video, happy birthday, what an amazing loving lad.”
Meanwhile, in a week where Stacey had to address their relationship on This Morning, Joe shared a post of his own in honour of Zachary.
“Happy 18th birthday, Zachary! Watching you grow into such a kind and caring young man has been something really special. Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in the years ahead, this is just the start of something great,” he said.
The former hotel is in a ‘poor structural condition’
A mix of flats and houses could be built on site of a former Cambridgeshire hotel. Woodgate Developments Ltd has proposed to build 14 homes on site of the former Station Hotel in Station Road, March.
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It also proposes to demolish the former hotel. Of the 14 homes proposed includes four one-bedded flats and 10 two-bedded flats. It also proposes cycle storage and parking.
The developers said it would deliver “much-needed housing” to the area and be the “regeneration of a prominent site”. The applicants added: “The redevelopment of the site will remove a redundant and deteriorating building and replace it with a well‑designed residential scheme that makes efficient use of a brownfield site in a highly accessible location.
“The proposal will contribute positively to the vitality of the area by introducing new residents who will support nearby services, facilities and public transport.” The developers propose to demolish the former hotel building as it is in a “poor structural condition and no longer suitable for reuse”.
If approved, the demolition will take place in a “controlled manner” and in line with health and safety regulations. In its conclusion, the developers added: “The proposed redevelopment of the former Station Hotel represents sustainable development.
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“It makes efficient use of previously developed land, delivers high‑quality housing in a highly accessible location, and responds positively to its physical, social and environmental context.” The plans have attracted some objections, including from March Town Council.
The council said it has “ongoing concerns” about drainage at the site, and it was “very disappointed” the developers were “seeking not to deliver any affordable housing or make essential S106 contributions”.
It added: “Further, it is disappointing to see another building of historical value being destroyed.” A resident in Stevens Way, March, also objected to the plans.
They described the percentage of the site being developed as “excessive”, and the proposed height of the building would “dwarf” neighbouring buildings. They added: “The proposal would be completely out of character in its setting.”
When is Ronnie O’Sullivan playing in World Open snooker final? First and second session times – The Mirror
Ronnie O’Sullivan is one win away from his first ranking title triumph in two years as he steps up to the plate in the World Open final
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Everything you need to know about Ronnie O’Sullivan’s World Open final clash:
The final date: The 2026 World Open final takes place on Sunday, March 22, 2026. This is a best-of-19 frame match, contested over two separate sessions throughout the day at the Yushan Sports Centre in Yushan, China.
First session start time: The opening session is scheduled to begin at 6am UK time (2:00pm local time). This session will consist of the first nine frames of the final.
Second session start time: The deciding session will commence at 11:30am UK time (7:30pm local time). The players will play to a finish in the evening, with the first to 10 frames being crowned the champion.
O’Sullivan’s opponent: “The Rocket” will face Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in the final. Un-Nooh saw off Judd Trump in the semis, beating the Englishman 6-4.
Ronnie’s route to the final: O’Sullivan reached the final after a pulse-pounding 6-5 victory over Wu Yize. Trailing 43-0 in the deciding frame, Ronnie produced a masterclass 89 counter-clearance to break the hearts of the home crowd and secure his 66th ranking final appearance.
History in the making: Earlier in the tournament, O’Sullivan made global headlines by compiling a world-record 153 break during his quarter-final whitewash of Ryan Day. The break was made possible by a free ball at the start of the frame, allowing him to surpass the traditional maximum of 147.
The prize at stake: A win on Sunday would see O’Sullivan collect the £175,000 top prize and secure his first ranking title in two years. It would also further solidify his position back at the top of the game.
How to watch: UK fans can follow every frame of the final live on Eurosport and discovery+. Extensive coverage is also available through the World Snooker Tour’s streaming partners for international viewers.
Britain’s Got Talent returned to screens on Saturday with more jaw-dropping auditions
Sara Baalla Screen Time TV Reporter
20:36, 21 Mar 2026
Fans of Britain’s Got Talent were not impressed during the latest live episode on ITV.
The hit talent competition has returned to ITV for its 19th series, with thousands of hopefuls gracing the audition stage in the hopes of winning £250,000 and landing a spot at the Royal Variety Performance.
Saturday’s (March 21) episode saw TV favourite Stacey Solomon replace head judge Simon, after he fell ill during filming last October. After Simon returned to the panel later in the episode, the judges were introduced to an elusive magician called Aldo Nicolini.
After appearing from beneath a curtain, the 61-year-old Italian began his audition by putting a scarf around his neck, before his head appeared to fall off his body in a shocking illusion.
Children in the crowd quickly began screaming, with the judges similarly looking on in horror. Aldo continued to “lose his head” with several props, including a box and a handkerchief that made his head look like it was floating away from his body.
Following the audition, Amanda said: “I’ve never seen anything like that before. It was charming, it’s a yes from me!”
However, KSI didn’t agree, commenting: “I think I’m going to be a bit of a downer here, but I didn’t like it. I mean, he just kept doing the same thing over and over. It’s a no, man.”
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Meanwhile, Alesha found the audition “entertaining”, with Simon adding: “I thought it was actually silly, funny and good,” before confirming Aldo’s place in the next round.
The majority of viewers seemed to take KSI’s view, with many sharing complaints on X (formerly Twitter).
“What the f***, that is disgusting,” one person wrote, with another adding: “What in the Beetlejuice is this? Halloween has come early.”
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A third said: “That’s just freaky,” with another fan echoing the sentiment: “No sorry but that was disgusting.” A fifth viewer similarly shared: “What in the name of madness is this?!” with another adding: “Well, that’ll give kids nightmares tonight.”
Meanwhile, others shared their praise for the unique act, with one person commenting: “I love stupid s*** like this man.”
Another added: “Yeah that was brilliant. Something different!” while a third said: “The head guy! Completely ridiculous, but entertaining nonetheless.”
They sailed straight through to the live semi finals following their rendition of One Day Like This by Elbow
A group of musical farmers including 10 from Wales have shared their joy at receiving a golden buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday. Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir, made up of farmers from across the UK, sailed straight through to the live semi finals following their rendition of One Day Like This by Elbow.
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In the 32-strong collective is Eirion William Davies, a fourth generation farmer from Llanelli, Aled Wyn Davies, who farms in the Cambrian Mountains, Meidrim farm manager Owain Fisher, Pendine farmer Joe Shewry, Hugh Thomas from Moylegrove, Rosie Jones, a former West End performer now farming in mid Wales, Presteigne farmer Will Rogers, and Aled Griffiths, who has recently been appointed chairman of the 2027 National Eisteddfod.
The choir delivered a stirring performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome in the show which aired on Saturday night with their emotionally charged rendition bringing the audience to its feet and visibly moving the judging panel led by Amanda Holden alongside guest judge Stacey Solomon, Alesha Dixon and KSI.
Llanbrynmair hill farmer Aled, who manages 1,800 sheep in the Cambrian Mountains and whose singing career has spanned 47 countries, described the BGT moment as “surreal”. He said he missed the moment the golden buzzer was pressed as the group were embracing each other in jubilant celebration.
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Hugh, who at 74 is the choir’s oldest member, joined after surviving a near-fatal battle with sepsis in 2025. He described the group as a “new lease of life”.
Rosie said the group has helped her rediscover confidence and belonging, and Will said he hoped their performances will showcase the resilience and passion of Britain’s farming community.
For some the experience marked a dramatic step outside their comfort zone, including Owain, who milks 240 cows daily in the small village of Meidrim in Carmarthenshire.
He said he’d never sung publicly before auditioning but was selected as the opening soloist. He described the moment he stepped onto the stage as “life-changing” and “a big leap from dairy farming”.
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Eirion, who manages a 650 acre mixed enterprise in Llanelli, said the “electric” atmosphere of the performance offered a rare release from the mounting pressures facing the agricultural sector – including volatile milk prices and rising costs.
Pendine farmer Joe Shewry, who rears more than 200 calves, traced her musical journey back to her equestrian days and said singing was once a technique to calm both rider and horse. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
Fellow Welsh member Aled Griffiths, an NFU group secretary and sheep farmer, balances industry leadership with rural enterprise and has recently been appointed chairman of the 2027 National Eisteddfod.
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Originally formed through a search for “strong singers who are farmers” as part of a project linked to Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone brand, the choir has evolved into something more significant.
The group says its mission is to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention in an industry often marked by isolation and relentless pressure. “If we can highlight the mental strain our farmers are under, then it can only be a good thing,” Joe added.
The RunThrough UK Darlington Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, December 6, 2026, starting at 9am from High Row in the town centre.
Organisers say the 13.1-mile route will offer a mix of urban atmosphere and rural scenery, beginning in central Darlington before heading west onto quieter roads in County Durham.
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
The course is designed to be flat and suitable for steady pacing, with long uninterrupted stretches through the countryside before returning to the town centre for a High Row finish.
Runners will pass through areas including Coniscliffe Road, Staindrop Road, Piercebridge, High Coniscliffe, Merrybent and Low Coniscliffe before heading back into town.
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The event will have a three-hour cut-off time due to road closures, and is open to participants aged 17 and over.
Each entry includes a themed medal, free race photos, chip-timed results and post-race refreshments, with water stations positioned approximately every 5km along the route.
Organisers added: “Each kilometre is accurately marked with distance flags and our friendly marshals will guide and cheer you all the way to the finish. We cannot wait to welcome you to the Darlington Half Marathon.”
Darlington is set to host a brand new half marathon this December, with runners invited to take on the run through the town and surrounding countryside. (Image: Northern Echo)
A secure baggage area and portable toilets will be available, including facilities at the halfway point, while spectators are encouraged to gather in the event village to watch both the start and finish.
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Parking in the town centre is expected to be limited due to road closures, and participants and supporters are being encouraged to car share or use public transport where possible.
Entries are now open, with tiered pricing available through super early bird, early bird and standard entry windows.
They added: “We have been extensively researching what runners consider important, and sustainability is fast becoming the top issue.”
Runners will also have the option to purchase an official event T-shirt at a discounted rate during registration.
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Organisers said: “Come and enjoy the day with us. Once you enter you will receive a confirmation email. More information will be sent closer to the event.”
They added: “We can’t wait to see you on the start line!”
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