LGBTQIA Activist networks gave a broadly warm greeting to news that the Green Party's Hannah Spencer had won the Gorton and Denton By election on 26th February. It was the first time that the Greens had ever taken a by election victory, and also showed up the major parties, with the right wing Reform coming second, albeit quite far behind the Greens. Labour came fourth and the Conservatives lost their deposit, prompting a furious response from leader Kemi Badenoch, who attacked every other party rather than her own for their showing.
Of the other parties, the Rejoin EU Party, Libertarian Party, Social Democratic Party and Communist League are considered broadly supportive of LGBTQIA civil rights. In seventh place, the Advance Party less so, owing to its right wing platforms. However, its credibility was stretched somewhat by polling fewer votes than the Official Monster Raving Loony Party.
LGBTQIA Newswire Pink News took a look at the new MP and her previous statements on minority rights. In her first remarks following a decisive electoral victory, the Bolton-born MP-elect has positioned herself as a staunch critic of political scapegoating and a vocal advocate for marginalised groups, including the LGBTQ+ community and Muslim communities. She used her acceptance speech to directly challenge what she described as a damaging political culture that blames minorities for societal issues.
"I won’t accept this victory tonight without calling out politicians and divisive figures who constantly scapegoat and blame our communities for all the problems in society," she told supporters. Emphasising shared humanity, she added, "My Muslim friends and neighbours are just like me, human."
Her platform has consistently highlighted solidarity with LGBTQ+ people, with a particular focus on opposing rising transphobia. In a statement on the social media platform Bluesky, she reflected on a more progressive cultural past, writing: “Grew up watching a Trans woman win Big Brother, hearing music with lyrics that celebrated Trans people, seeing folk flourish as themselves. Now we’re going backwards. I will ALWAYS stand against the politicisation and degradation of human rights. Solidarity to our Trans family.”
Earlier this year, speaking to the campaign group Stand Up To Racism, she expressed frustration at the political climate. “I’m tired of politicians blaming everyone else for their mistakes,” she said in January. “I’m tired of minorities being scapegoated. And I’m tired of my safety, and the safety of all the women and girls in society, being used to fuel hatred.”
While a committed ally, the MP-elect's core focus remains on tackling foundational economic issues that disproportionately affect marginalised groups, including queer people. She argues that crises in the cost of living and housing are central to achieving social justice and improving safety for all.
