In a Gorton and Denton by-election, the Green Party won a seat Labour had long held, delivering a symbolic setback to Keir Starmer and highlighting a broader realignment as Greens and Reform UK gain ground amid Labour's centrist stance ahead of upcoming local elections.
Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer, a 34-year-old plumber, won the Gorton and Denton by-election, moving the Greens into five MPs and dealing a setback to Labour in its traditional northern stronghold. The surprise result challenges Labour’s strategy of courting Reform UK voters to counter the Greens, and signals a shifting local political landscape ahead of May local elections. Analysts say Labour faces a two-front battle as the Greens capitalize on cost-of-living discontent and broaden outreach to ethnic-minority communities.
Former plumber Hannah Spencer won Manchester's Gorton and Denton for the Green Party in a three-way race against Reform UK and Labour, making her the Greens' fifth MP and signaling rising eco-populist momentum as Labour faces scrutiny and Reform UK remains a national force ahead of the 2029 general election.
Green candidate Hannah Spencer won the Gorton and Denton by-election with 40.7% of the vote, toppling Labour in a longtime stronghold as Reform finished second and Labour fell to third; analysts call it a seismic shift that signals fractures in the UK’s two‑party system and increases pressure on Keir Starmer, with Greens positioning themselves as an alternative to Labour.
Labour, Reform UK and the Green Party are contesting the Gorton and Denton by-election in a tight three-way race that could boost Keir Starmer or signal momentum for Reform and the Greens, while by-elections of this kind do not change Parliament's arithmetic.
Director Adam McKay announced his departure from the Democratic Party following Kamala Harris' loss to Donald Trump and the Republicans' projected control of Congress. McKay, known for his political activism and climate advocacy, expressed his frustration with the Democratic Party's strategies and is considering joining the Green Party or Working Families Party. He criticized the party's handling of key issues like healthcare and climate change, suggesting that substantive change requires a shift towards a more left-wing democratic socialist leadership.
The Mayor's and City County Court ruled that the Green Party discriminated against former deputy leader Dr. Shahrar Ali due to his gender critical beliefs, awarding him £9,100 in damages. While upholding parties' right to dismiss spokespeople with differing views, the court found the party's dismissal of Dr. Ali as procedurally unfair. Dr. Ali called for an investigation into the Green Party's handling of trans rights debates and criticized the party's current state, while the party acknowledged procedural shortfalls and apologized.
Golriz Ghahraman, a lawmaker in New Zealand and the first refugee to be sworn in as a member of Parliament, resigned after allegations of shoplifting from two clothing stores surfaced. She attributed her actions to stress affecting her mental health and stated that resigning was the best thing for her well-being. Her party confirmed that the police were investigating the incidents, and leaders cited the continuous threats and stress she faced since being elected. Ghahraman, who did not directly address the accusations, mentioned that her behavior was not rational and related to extreme stress response and past trauma.
Golriz Ghahraman, a former UN human rights lawyer and New Zealand MP, has resigned following allegations of shoplifting from two clothing stores. She cited work-related stress and previously unrecognized trauma as contributing factors to her behavior. The 42-year-old, who has not been charged with any crime, mentioned receiving continuous threats of violence and abuse since being elected to Parliament. Her resignation comes after CCTV footage emerged showing her allegedly taking a designer handbag from a boutique. The Green Party co-leaders expressed support for her and acknowledged the distress she has faced, particularly as a woman of color with a public profile.
Golriz Ghahraman, the first refugee to be elected to New Zealand's parliament, resigned over alleged shoplifting, citing personal stress and trauma. The MP for the Green Party is being investigated by police after three theft allegations from boutique clothing shops, and has stepped down from her portfolio responsibilities. Ghahraman, a former human rights lawyer, attributed her actions to work-related stress and unrecognised trauma, expressing a need to address her mental health. Party leaders acknowledged the pressure and threats she faced, expressing empathy for her extreme mental distress.
Jill Stein, the two-time Green Party presidential nominee, has announced her intention to seek the party's nomination for the 2024 White House race. Stein criticized the broken political system and accused both major parties of being influenced by Wall Street. Her 2016 candidacy drew criticism from Democrats who blamed her for diverting votes from Hillary Clinton. Stein's announcement comes amid questions about President Joe Biden's reelection campaign, with a recent poll showing former President Donald Trump narrowly leading in a hypothetical rematch. Stein's candidacy is likely to anger liberals still upset over her 2016 bid, although her impact on the election outcome remains unclear.
Jill Stein, who previously ran for president on the Green Party ticket in 2012 and 2016, has announced her candidacy for the 2024 election. Running to the left of President Biden, Stein accuses both major parties of betraying their promises and being a danger to democracy. Seeking the Green Party's nomination, Stein's institutional backing may give her an advantage in gaining ballot access compared to other independent candidates. Her candidacy, along with other third-party candidates, could complicate the expected rematch between Biden and former President Trump, with some Democrats concerned about potential vote siphoning. Stein's platform includes advocating for an "economic bill of rights" that guarantees employment, healthcare, housing, food, and education.
The third Republican primary debate featured contentious exchanges between the five candidates, including a heated moment when Vivek Ramaswamy referenced Nikki Haley's daughter's use of TikTok, leading Haley to call him "scum." The candidates expressed support for Israeli military action against Hamas but had differing views on Ukraine. The debate largely avoided addressing the GOP's poor performance in recent off-year elections and instead focused on the topic of abortion. Jill Stein announced her candidacy for the 2024 presidential race as a Green Party candidate, criticizing the two major parties for failing to address issues like climate change and inequality.
Progressive scholar Cornel West has announced that he will run as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election, abandoning his campaign for the Green Party's nomination. West aims to "break the grip of the duopoly and give power to the people," but his departure from the Green Party may hinder his efforts to get on the presidential ballot. The move comes after criticism from some leading leftists, including Ralph Nader, who cited the Green Party's lack of organization. West's decision has confused some of his longtime political allies and raised concerns among top Democrats about the potential for him to be a spoiler candidate for President Joe Biden.
Progressive activist Cornel West has announced that he will no longer run for president under the Green Party and will instead run as an independent candidate. West aims to challenge the ruling class and promote true democracy. While facing long odds, Democrats are concerned that West could impact the 2024 election by winning a portion of the vote in key states. West's campaign will focus on grassroots efforts to gather the necessary signatures for ballot access.