The Greens’ Gorton and Denton by-election win was about inclusion — not sectarianism
The Greens’ Gorton and Denton by-election win was about inclusion — not sectarianism
What a transformative evening it turned out to be. The Green Party’s triumph in Gorton and Denton marked a historic milestone — their first parliamentary by-election victory in the North of England. More than that, they shattered a Labour majority that had stood for over 13,000 votes. The result wasn’t just a political shift, but a statement of a new direction for British politics.
For the first time, a Green MP was elected in a region where community ties are deeply rooted in cultural diversity. Yet this win transcends mere symbolism. It signals the emergence of a political movement that prioritises unity over division, and connection over exclusion.
A Message of Unity
Last night, we demonstrated that hope can triumph over cynicism. The campaign’s core message — that every voice matters — resonated far beyond party lines. Even as Labour and Reform candidates grumbled, their frustration couldn’t erase the impact of our inclusive approach. The value of this victory can’t be measured in numbers alone; it’s about rekindling trust in the political process.
“In a democracy, language should never be a barrier to participation; it should be a bridge.”
While opponents clung to rigid, traditional rhetoric, our strategy embraced the everyday realities of voters. Policy discussions were delivered in the languages people live by — not just crisp Radio 4 English, but the rich dialects of Urdu, Bangla, and Arabic that shape daily life in parts of Gorton and Denton. This wasn’t a calculated move to win votes, but a genuine effort to reflect the community’s identity.
The Power of Language
Effective communication isn’t just about messaging; it’s about making people feel seen. Our campaign material, including a widely shared Urdu video, was designed to bridge gaps, not widen them. Critics like Matt Goodwin dismissed this as a divisive tactic, but their misunderstanding highlights a broader issue — the failure to grasp how language can unite rather than fragment.
Across the UK, political discourse has often relied on a narrow, Westminster-centric voice. That’s why many felt disconnected from the system. In areas with significant Muslim populations, where languages other than English are commonly spoken at home, this old paradigm simply doesn’t work. Our approach recognised that — and that’s why we chose to speak in the same way people live.
A Global Perspective
Look to New York for proof that multilingual outreach builds bridges. Zohran Mamdani’s campaign, which featured Arabic, Spanish, and Urdu content, expanded political dialogue in communities often overlooked. His success, praised even by Labour supporters, shows that language isn’t a weapon — it’s a tool for engagement.
When we discuss issues like housing costs, healthcare access, or racial equality, we’re not just talking about policy. We’re speaking to the heart of people’s lives. Whether they speak English or Punjabi, Somali, or Urdu, their concerns are universal. Multilingual campaigns affirm that reality — and that’s what makes them powerful.
This by-election was a microcosm of a larger movement. A 26.5% shift in support signals that the Greens are more than a fringe party — they’re a force for change. The victory in Gorton and Denton isn’t just about numbers. It’s about proving that diverse communities can be represented without compromise. It’s about showing that inclusion isn’t a weakness, but a strength.
As we look ahead, this win offers a blueprint for the future. It reminds us that politics should mirror the people it serves — not exclude them. And when it does, the result is hope, not hostility.
