Pod Save the UK Can she fix it? Hannah the plumber and politician on tackling Reform
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Feb 19, 2026 Tom Southerden, Amnesty International’s law director, gives legal perspective on the High Court ruling about protest rights. Hannah Spencer, a local plumber turned Green candidate, talks grassroots campaigning in Gorton and Denton. They discuss protest law, community-focused politics, campaign life, online rumours, safety in politics and the stakes of a surprising by-election.
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Local Life Shaped Political Path
- Hannah Spencer explains her rise from plumber and local councillor to by-election candidate and how campaigning has intensified her exposure to dirty politics.
- She says walking her dogs and local life shaped her political outlook and drove her into activism.
Greens’ Independence As Political Strength
- Hannah argues the Green Party has fewer vested interests and is funded by members, which lets it prioritise community needs over elite donors.
- She says an extra Green MP would hold other parties to account and push better decisions in parliament.
Mumsnet Post Became Political Fuel
- Hannah recounts posting on Mumsnet about leaving Levenshulme and how that experience revealed stark local inequalities to her.
- She says living through hard times there was pivotal in shaping her drive to fight for better local services.