A stunning outcome in the Gorton and Denton by-election has dropped Labour to third place in a longtime stronghold, sparking a party crisis. Elections expert Lord Robert Hayward warns that the hard-left alliance behind this upset—featuring Zack Polanski’s Greens, Jeremy Corbyn’s party, and George Galloway’s Workers Party of Britain—holds significant potential to impact Labour nationwide on May 7.
Cabinet Meeting Addresses Fallout
Keir Starmer has convened a rare political Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning to tackle the repercussions. In Gorton, Corbyn and Galloway’s groups stepped aside, consolidating hard-left and Muslim votes for the Greens. Labour trailed behind the Greens and Reform in a seat it dominated for decades.
Potential for Wider Alliances
“In Gorton, the Greens, Workers Party, and Corbyn’s group collaborated effectively, and similar efforts could extend to other areas, including London,” Lord Hayward stated at a press briefing. “If they coordinate and the Greens sustain their poll standings, Labour faces a substantial threat.”
London Boroughs at Risk
Labour controls 21 of London’s 32 boroughs, but party insiders acknowledge a Green surge could claim hundreds of seats. No area escapes danger, including Starmer’s North London constituency, where Labour holds every council seat. Lord Hayward highlighted vulnerabilities across the capital.
Implications for Leadership Contenders
The results may influence Labour’s future leadership race. Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s Redbridge council in north-east London teeters on the edge. Streeting narrowly retained his parliamentary seat last election amid a strong pro-Gaza independent challenge, winning by under 500 votes.
“Arguing for party leadership becomes tougher if Labour loses your local council,” Lord Hayward noted.
Reform UK’s Challenges
Reform UK aims to challenge both Labour and Conservatives on May 7 but encounters rising “anything but Reform” sentiment from voters. Canvassers report preferences for candidates best positioned to block Reform locally.
Election Stakes
May 7 features over 5,000 seats across 136 English councils, plus elections in Scotland and Wales—the broadest national assessment since the 2024 general election. Lord Hayward emphasized the pressure on Starmer:
“He may have weathered recent storms, but May 7 will test his survival in these multi-party, nationwide contests.”
