I joined the Green Party three months ago because, for the first time in my life, I was truly fired up by the possibilities of what hope could achieve over hate in our divided country. The spectre of Reform marching to any kind of victory with its depressing band of failed Tories, and demoralising message of hate, was enough to show me that we needed new and fresh perspectives for our country. The results of the Gorton and Denton by-election dramatically confirmed that.  In fact, the Greens message of hope reminded me of a quote by someone else who also emphasised the power of hope and self-belief when he made an audacious bid for the White House, former President Barack Obama . In a moving statement, he said then: "Hope is not blind optimism. Its not ignoring the enormity of the task ahead, or the roadblocks that stand in our path. Its not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that ...

I have never been a political person. I have tended to leave political parties alone  though I have felt it an absolute duty to vote. Many women suffered to get that vote, so I bear that in mind when I am tended to be cynical and not exercise mine. But being a fully paid up member of a political party has never appealed to me - until now. Zack Polanski of the Green Party changed all that virtually overnight! Since he came into my consciousness, I have watched Zack's progress with fascination and awe at the sheer possibilities that could lie ahead under his leadership. I believe that after the debacle of the empty, scandal-ridden Tory years, the need for change is now. That need couldn't be greater and it is blowing on a wind of hope towards us, which gives an exciting feeling of anticipation in the air. Through my membership and support, I felt I wanted to show the effect Zack Polanski, a virtual unknown to me, has already had on people like me (a woman and a minority) who had...

The  Gorton and Denton by-election  (scheduled for  Thursday, 26 February 2026 ) has officially moved from speculation to a high-stakes battleground.  As of today, the final list of candidates has been confirmed. The Confirmed Candidates (The 11-Way Fight) The nominations closed yesterday, and 11 candidates are officially in the running: Angeliki Stogia (Labour):  A local councillor who now has the massive task of defending a 13,000-vote majority while her own party is fighting internally. Matt Goodwin (Reform UK):  The high-profile academic and GB News presenter.   Reform is sensing blood in the water; some early polls suggest they are within striking distance of an upset. But can they do it with the Greens advancing rapidly? Hannah Spencer (Green):  A plumber and former mayoral candidate for Manchester.  The Greens are framing this as a "Green vs. Reform" fight, hoping to capture the disillusioned left-wing vote. The Rest:  Includes t...