The Green Party candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, Hannah Spencer, faces intense scrutiny following revelations about her significant property holdings valued at £1.2 million. Criticism has intensified after a report by The Mail on Sunday highlighted her involvement in questionable real estate practices, which contradict the party’s stance on housing issues.
Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, has publicly committed to abolishing private landlords and enforcing strict rent controls. Despite this, Spencer’s actions raise concerns about her alignment with party principles, as she has amassed a portfolio that includes multiple properties. This discrepancy has led to accusations of hypocrisy, with opponents labeling her a “property-hoarding hypocrite.”
Spencer, who is also the Green Party’s candidate for the Manchester mayoral election in 2024, has previously criticized second homeowners for contributing to housing shortages. Yet, she appears to embody the very practices she condemns. At just 34 years old, she has accumulated several properties, including a second home purchased for £736,000, reportedly acquired in August 2024 with assistance from her mother.
In a controversial exchange on the online platform Mumsnet, Spencer advised sellers to avoid first-time buyers, suggesting they often receive financial help from family members, which allows them to secure better deals. Additionally, her comments on negotiating prices have drawn backlash; she outlined tactics for intimidating potential buyers, including threatening to sell to others if they did not meet her asking price.
Her approach raises ethical questions within a party that champions fairness and equity in housing. Labour MP Jo Platt, representing nearby Leigh and Atherton, remarked, “Time and again the Greens say one thing and do another,” referring to Spencer’s contradictory positions. A Labour source added, “She is a millionaire property-hoarding hypocrite.”
While the Green Party did not address all allegations directly, a spokesperson stated, “Normal people have normal conversations years ago. It’s five days to go, the Greens are winning, and the political and media establishment are going into smear overdrive.” This defensive posture suggests a recognition of the potential impact of these revelations on Spencer’s campaign.
Moreover, questions have arisen regarding Spencer’s claims of being a working plumber, which critics argue do not align with her public persona. She regularly posts on social media about her work, yet the backgrounds of her photos often depict her own properties rather than job sites. In one instance, she claimed to be working while posing outside her house, further clouding the authenticity of her narrative.
Despite her assertions of being new to politics, Spencer is well-versed in the political landscape, with this election marking the 19th for her family, including her mother’s previous bid for Parliament. This experience raises further doubts about her portrayal as a newcomer.
As the February 27, 2026 by-election approaches, the implications of these revelations may significantly influence voter perception and the Green Party’s campaign strategy in Gorton and Denton. The party’s ability to address these concerns effectively will be critical in maintaining public trust and support in a competitive political environment.
