Green Party Leader and Hopeful Turn Heads—and Tears—in By-Election Shock
Green Party chief Zack Polanski and candidate Hannah Spencer sparked a storm online after breaking down in tears on Polanski’s Bold Politics podcast. Spencer, a plumber and local councillor, got choked up talking about her four beloved greyhounds during their Gorton and Denton by-election campaign.
Tears Over Greyhounds Spark Social Media Fury
Spencer teared up recalling her first greyhound, Graham. “He taught me a lot about acceptance,” she sniffled. “There is a bit of Graham in all of us – we just want to be accepted, happy and safe.”
Polanski then sobbed: “I’m crying for the greyhounds but also for you – that determination is exactly what this country needs.”
But the heartfelt moment didn’t land well. Social media users slammed them, mocking their watery eyes and doubting their toughness for leadership.
“These are exactly the sort of people you want to take on tough international negotiations,” one user sneered.
“I love dogs and have cried for them too, but the person we hand the tough job of dealing with Russia, China and America can’t be a soppy fool sobbing over a dog.”
Polanski shared the clip on X (formerly Twitter), calling them “real people unafraid to be themselves,” but instead it blew up in criticism.
By-Election Battle Heats Up in Gorton and Denton
The tears come as Spencer fights to clinch the Gorton and Denton seat on February 26, where the contest is a nail-biting three-way between Labour, Greens, and Reform UK.
Polanski urges voters to pick “hope” over “hate,” pitching Greens as the real challengers to Reform. Meanwhile, Labour scrambles to hold a seat it once won by a margin of 13,000 votes — despite its slump in nationwide polls.
This by-election is a crucial test of Labour’s hold on northern urban heartlands as Reform UK and the Greens push forward with working-class, community-first candidates like Spencer.
The Road Ahead
- Voting day: February 26
- Results expected: Early hours of February 27
- Watch for: Impact of emotional displays and fierce campaigning on this key Labour stronghold
One thing is clear: the Greens’ tear-jerking podcast moment hasn’t exactly won hearts online — but the by-election battle is far from over.
