PM criticises ‘sectarian politics’ in byelection but party may fear Greens’ nascent leftwing political machine
The Green party’s success at winning Muslim votes in Gorton and Denton has sent tremors through Westminster, prompting recriminations and accusations from opposition parties, who sense another major realignment in British politics.
Experts say Hannah Spencer’s unexpectedly wide margin of victory was delivered in part by a significant shift of Muslim voters from Labour to the Greens.
Labour and Reform UK have accused the Greens of playing sectarian politics, highlighting the party’s use of the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, in campaign materials, its endorsement by George Galloway and accusations of voter manipulation.
Keir Starmer wrote to Labour MPs on Friday telling them: “[Their] divisive, sectarian politics is a sign that the Greens are not the harmless environmentalists they pretend to be.”
