The Green Party faces an official complaint after distributing leaflets deemed misleading to voters in the Gorton and Denton by-election. Candidate Hannah Spencer referenced Manchester University professor Rob Ford in campaign materials, quoting him as saying: “The route to victory for the Greens looks more straightforward. A Green victory over Reform, with Labour third, is perhaps the most dangerous result of all for the current [Labour] leadership.”
Professor Lodges Formal Complaint
Professor Ford states he was not consulted before his quote and image appeared on the leaflets and has not endorsed the campaign. He describes the quote as “misleading out of context.” After the Greens apologized over a week ago for the oversight and promised no further use, a second leaflet emerged yesterday featuring the same content. Ford now confirms he has lodged an official complaint with the returning officer.
Labour Candidates Respond
Labour’s campaign lead in Gorton and Denton, Andrew Western MP, calls the incident evidence that the Green Party’s promises lack credibility. “They promised independent expert Prof Rob Ford that they would stop distributing literature with his face on after he called them out for misleading voters about their chances in this election. They have continued to do so, without his permission. People in Gorton and Denton need an MP they can trust, and it’s becoming clearer by the day, nobody can trust the Greens. Only Labour’s Angeliki Stogia can beat Reform on the 26 February.”
Fellow Labour MP Lizzi Collinge labels the misrepresentation of Ford “beyond the pale.”
Gambling Odds Draw Criticism
Hannah Spencer also faces backlash for featuring bookmakers’ odds on her leaflets, which position the Greens as favorites, despite her anti-gambling stance. In a recent social media video from Nigel Farage’s Clacton constituency, Spencer interviews voters and warns that “gambling addiction ruins lives.” An academic on Bluesky questions the move: “Why are the Green Party giving free advertising to betting companies? Are they really that ignorant of the damage they do?”
Green Party Addresses the Issue
A Green Party spokesman explains that the card with Ford’s image and quotes was recalled immediately last week, with a new version in use for days. Those old cards were sealed and marked ‘DO NOT USE.’ The party is investigating if any volunteers accidentally distributed remaining copies. “Rob’s professional integrity and independence are very important, and we have apologised to him,” the spokesman adds.
