The spiked podcast Gorton and Denton, the Greens and the new sectarianism
Feb 27, 2026
Rakib Ehsan, columnist on British Muslim political behaviour and local electoral dynamics. He discusses the Greens' shock by-election win and Labour’s collapse. He explores how Gaza and local grievances shifted Muslim voters, the use of Urdu outreach and identity campaigning, and the risks of concentrated bloc voting for future politics.
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Episode notes
Labour Coalition Is Falling Apart
- Labour's broad coalition is disintegrating and safe seats are now vulnerable.
- Tom Slater points to white working class, ethnic minorities and young progressives abandoning Labour, enabling the Greens to win Gorton and Denton.
Muslim Voters Pivot Over Gaza And Local Grievances
- British Muslim voters have shifted away from Labour, driven in part by Israel–Gaza and local grievances.
- Rakib Ehsan notes campaign material in Urdu and messaging linking Labour to pro-Israel figures to mobilise Muslim voters.
Greens Lean Into Grievance Politics
- The Greens deliberately targeted Muslim voters and leaned into grievance politics.
- Tom Slater highlights Urdu leaflets and explicit appeals to enclave anger over Gaza as central to the Greens' campaign.
