Daily Politics from the New Statesman Historic win for the Greens
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Feb 27, 2026 Ben Walker, senior data journalist who decodes election numbers, breaks down the Greens' surprise win in Gorton and Denton. He parses why Labour lost ground, how local demographics and campaign tactics helped the Greens, and the role of controversial decisions and scandals in shifting votes. Short, sharp analysis of a political upset and its ripple effects.
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Greens Win Could Reshape The Left
- The Greens' Gorton and Denton win signals a potential realignment on the British left.
- Ben Walker argues the result undermines Labour's preeminence and could shift millions of Labour voters toward the Greens.
Polling Missed A Green Surge
- Tactical voting and polling underestimated the Greens who outperformed polls with 41% of the vote.
- Walker highlights Reform underperformed forecasts while Labour only managed a respectable share, shifting the expected dynamics.
Burnham Ban May Have Cost Labour
- Blocking Andy Burnham from standing is presented as a pivotal factor in Labour's defeat.
- Walker says Burnham's personal popularity could have swung votes and Labour NEC's decision was self-harming.