Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer faces voter backlash over property ownership and frequent international travel in Gorton and Denton

Hannah Spencer, 34, the Green Party’s pick for the Gorton and Denton by-election, is under scrutiny after revelations about her lifestyle, which some say clashes with her party’s environmental values.

Social media posts and public records show Ms Spencer traveling frequently abroad and co-owning homes in some of Greater Manchester’s most affluent areas, raising eyebrows among local voters in a constituency marked by pockets of deprivation.

---

Social Media Sparks Controversy

Ms Spencer’s Instagram account has become a focal point for criticism.

Images document trips to New York and San Francisco in 2014, a visit to Hungary the same year, Spanish holidays in 2016, and a 2018 trip to Amsterdam.

In addition, a recent post shows her standing next to a petrol-powered Vauxhall Astra plastered with Green Party slogans, sparking debate over the consistency of her environmental messaging.

Her past posts have also included jokes about Brexit, with one 2016 post reading: “You’re all gonna pay more for me to come and fix your toilet,” accompanied by the hashtag #worldsmostexpensiveplumber.

Residents of the former Gorton and Reddish area, which voted to leave the EU by over 60%, have noted the contrast between her words and her lived experience.

---

Homes and Financial Questions

While Gorton and Denton includes areas where incomes are roughly 25% below the national average, Ms Spencer co-owns two homes in some of the region’s priciest neighborhoods with her former partner, biochemist Dr Stephen Holman.

They purchased a £750,000 property in Altrincham 18 months ago while already living in a smart Sale terraced home.

Neighbours have observed that the Altrincham house remains uninhabited and in the process of renovation.

Some locals have raised questions about whether stamp duty was applied correctly, given Ms Spencer’s co-ownership status despite no longer living there.

---

Local Reaction: Frustration and Disappointment

The response from constituents has been mixed but largely critical.

Grandmother Irene Baxter, 77, said: “How can she stand for a party that wants to clamp down on air travel when she jets all over the world herself?” Airport worker Paul Hall echoed the sentiment: “She came across as down-to-earth, but owning two homes and flying frequently? That’s not what I expect from a Green candidate.”

Self-employed Mike Kerr added: “She shouldn’t stand as an MP if she doesn’t do what she preaches.”

Pensioner Jim Hughes lamented the disconnect: “It’s a shame because she seems nice, but the Green Party is about protecting the environment, not polluting it with long-haul flights.”

---

The Political Context

Ms Spencer faces a tough fight against Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin, a former politics lecturer turned GB News presenter.

Labour, defending the seat previously held by Andrew Gwynne, is expected to face heavy losses after Gwynne’s resignation over offensive WhatsApp messages.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham had hoped to run but was blocked by Labour’s National Executive Committee, with local councillor Angeliki Stogia chosen instead.

Meanwhile, Mr Goodwin has stated that he would relocate to the constituency if elected.

---

Green Party’s Response

The Green Party has addressed some of the criticism, emphasizing that Ms Spencer’s co-ownership of properties is part of an ongoing separation process and does not reflect extravagant personal spending. A spokesperson said:

“Hannah Spencer is a real-life, working-class human being.

She’s popular with voters because she understands the community.

We do not believe in depriving people of holidays or transport, but we do want to make public transport more accessible and introduce a frequent-flyer levy for those who use planes excessively.”

The party also clarified that renovations and legal paperwork related to property ownership can take time to resolve, especially after a separation.

---

What’s Next?

The Gorton and Denton by-election takes place this Thursday, with voters facing a decision between a high-profile local Green candidate and Reform UK’s academic-turned-broadcaster.

The election outcome will offer insight into how much lifestyle scrutiny affects voter trust, particularly when candidates’ personal choices appear at odds with party policies.

Analysts will also be watching whether Labour can salvage support in a constituency where it has historically been dominant but is currently weakened by internal controversies.

---

Summary

Hannah Spencer, Green Party candidate for Gorton and Denton, is under fire for frequent foreign travel and co-owning high-value homes, raising accusations of hypocrisy in a constituency with significant deprivation.

Voters have expressed disappointment, while the Green Party defends her as a relatable local figure.

She faces Reform UK’s Matt Goodwin and Labour’s Angeliki Stogia in Thursday’s by-election, which could reflect broader attitudes toward environmental candidates and personal integrity in politics.