The political earthquake in Gorton and Denton has sent a clear message across the country.

In what was considered a safe Labour seat for nearly a century, voters pushed Labour into third place.

The Green Party won with over 40% of the vote.

Labour suffered a dramatic collapse.
This wasn’t a marginal seat. This was a Labour stronghold.

People are tired.

Tired of broken promises and constant U-turns.
Tired of foreign policy positions that many feel do not reflect their values, particularly on Palestine.
Tired of immigration policies that target migrants who work in our NHS, care homes, transport system, and even serve in our armed forces, including Gurkhas who have defended this country.
Tired of managed decline — rising taxes on working people, unfair student loan burdens, and public services stretched to breaking point.
Tired of a cost-of-living crisis getting worse while politicians tell us to be patient.

Nationally, Labour has failed to inspire hope or deliver meaningful change.

Locally in Greenwich, we are seeing:
• The building of densely populated high-rise developments that many residents cannot afford, without adequate infrastructure — increasing traffic, pressure on services, and air pollution.
• Public assets such as car parks being sold off, while Controlled Parking Zones are expanded.
• Supervised adventure play centres threatened — vital lifelines for many low-income families, providing safe spaces and meals for children. Removing them risks increasing isolation and social problems at a time when crime concerns are rising in the borough.
• Green spaces facing uncertainty, including concerns about the future of Maryon Wilson Animal Park.
• Over 750 homes around Woolwich Dockyard marked for potential demolition to make way for further high-rise development.

Residents feel ignored.

Consultations feel like tick-box exercises.
Petitions signed by thousands appear to be brushed aside.

Manchester has shown something important:
When progressive voters unite, Labour can be defeated.

But let’s be honest — the Greens’ success did not happen in isolation. Across the country, the space to challenge Labour has been strengthened by socialist voices — from Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana to the Workers Party, Your Party, and others who refuse to accept watered-down austerity politics.

If we want real change, progressive and socialist forces must learn from that moment — not divide, but cooperate where possible and challenge Labour in the upcoming local May elections.

Because when we fragment, Labour survives.

When we unite, Labour can be replaced.

Greenwich is not owned by Labour.

No party owns our votes.

It is time for courage.

Time for accountability.

Time for something genuinely different.

If Manchester can do it, so can we.

Greenwich deserves better.