The Greens’ Gorton and Denton by-election win was about inclusion — not sectarianism
The Greens’ Gorton and Denton by-election win was about inclusion — not sectarianism
What a night it was! The Green Party’s first parliamentary by-election victory in Gorton and Denton symbolized a major turning point. Beyond the historic win, the party dismantled a Labour majority that had stood for over 13,000 votes. This achievement wasn’t just a political milestone—it was a declaration of a new approach to governance.
I never imagined penning this piece, not merely due to the arrival of our first Green MP in the North of England. This moment transcends individual success. It reflects a broader movement toward a politics that prioritizes unity and understanding over division.
Last night, we sent a message: a different kind of politics is not only possible, but it’s happening. Our campaign highlighted a vision rooted in hope, not hostility, and inclusion, not exclusion. By embracing diversity, we reminded voters that their voices matter—no matter their background or the language they speak at home.
Breaking the old paradigm
UK politics has long relied on a monolithic form of communication, often spoken in a detached, Westminster-style English. This approach, as exemplified by Reform’s Matt Goodwin, failed to resonate with communities where languages like Urdu, Bangla, and Arabic are commonly used. In Gorton and Denton, nearly 40% of residents are Muslim, and many grew up with their families speaking languages other than English. The traditional method of political messaging simply didn’t cut through.
While opponents used crisp Radio 4 English to convey their policies, they overlooked the deeper connection needed to spark genuine engagement. Our success hinged on speaking directly to people in the languages they know—both as a practical strategy and as a symbolic gesture. Campaign materials in multiple tongues, including a viral Urdu video, weren’t just tactical moves. They were a commitment to ensuring every voter felt represented.
“In a democracy, language should never be a barrier to participation; it should be a bridge.”
Some critics, notably those who lost the election, accused our efforts of being divisive. Yet their interpretation misses the mark. Multilingual outreach isn’t about splitting communities—it’s about welcoming them into the conversation. As seen in New York, where Zohran Mamdani’s campaign used Arabic, Spanish, and Urdu to connect with overlooked groups, this strategy fosters unity by acknowledging individual identities.
The Greens’ campaign in Gorton and Denton achieved a 26.5% shift in voter support. This isn’t just about gaining seats—it’s about proving that inclusion can drive political change. When we spoke about rent, healthcare, and peace, we did so in ways that made these issues feel personal. Whether someone’s home language is English or Punjabi, the message was clear: your experiences shape the conversation, and your voice holds weight.
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Our victory in Gorton and Denton isn’t just increasing parliamentary representation—it’s a testament to the power of making people feel heard. When communities see their languages respected and their stories valued, they’re more likely to believe in the possibility of a politics that truly belongs to them.
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