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
Last night’s result in Gorton and Denton marked a historic moment for the Green Party, securing their first parliamentary by-election victory. It wasn’t just the end of a Labour stronghold that had previously maintained a majority of more than 13,000 votes. The win symbolized a shift in political dynamics, proving that a new kind of approach can resonate with voters across the UK.
A Different Vision for Politics
For the first time, a Green MP has been elected in the North of England, but this success extends beyond that milestone. The campaign demonstrated that politics can prioritize unity and hope over division and hostility. By focusing on shared values like social justice and community engagement, the Greens offered a message that transcended traditional party lines.
One of the key factors behind the win was the campaign’s emphasis on connection. While policies and the candidate’s qualities played a role, the way the Greens communicated with voters proved equally vital. In areas where nearly 40% of residents are Muslim, and many grow up speaking languages such as Urdu, Bangla, or Arabic, the party tailored its message to reflect the lived realities of those communities.
Breaking Down Barriers
British politics has long relied on a dominant narrative shaped by Westminster elites, often sidelining voices that don’t speak English as their first language. Reform’s Matt Goodwin, for instance, used a polished, southern-English tone in his campaign, which fell short in communities where multilingual engagement was crucial. The Greens countered this by producing materials in multiple languages, including a viral Urdu video that captured the essence of their message.
Language isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge. By speaking in the voices of the people, we made politics feel accessible, not alienating.
From Division to Inclusion
Some critics, like Matt Goodwin, have labeled the Greens’ approach as divisive or ‘sectarian.’ Yet, this interpretation misses the mark. Multilingual outreach isn’t about creating factions; it’s about ensuring every voter feels represented. Campaigns in other regions have shown that when political messages are delivered in the languages people use daily, it fosters connection rather than exclusion.
Take Zohran Mamdani’s campaign in New York, which utilized Arabic, Spanish, and Urdu videos to engage underrepresented communities. This strategy not only expanded political dialogue but also highlighted how diverse voices can shape the future. Labour, which initially dismissed such tactics, now acknowledges their value after seeing their effectiveness in Gorton and Denton.
Issues like rent, healthcare, and racism are universal, yet they’re often framed through a narrow lens. The Greens’ campaign reminded voters that these concerns cut across language and culture. Whether someone speaks English, Punjabi, or Somali, their perspective matters. This message of belonging is at the heart of what the Greens aim to achieve.
A Testament to Change
The 26.5% shift in support toward the Greens underscores a growing demand for inclusive representation. This victory isn’t just about adding more MPs to the parliament—it’s about validating diverse experiences and ensuring participation in democracy is not just possible, but meaningful.
Hope isn’t something you can quantify — even as those who lost the election, like Reform’s Matt Goodwin, tried to dismiss our inclusive campaign as a threat.
By embracing multilingual communication, the Greens showed that language can be a tool for connection, not exclusion. This approach resonated with voters who felt their identities and concerns were often overlooked. The win in Gorton and Denton is a sign that politics can evolve to meet the needs of all communities, not just the majority.