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In the end, it was not even that close. The Green party has stormed to victory in Gorton and Denton, winning their first ever parliamentary by-election by more than 4,000 votes.
The result changes everything: the Lib Dems are no longer the party of the protest vote; Reform's tanks are parked on Labour's lawn; the left has split; and the Tories are nowhere to be seen. The era of two-party politics is well and truly over, and this morning's result could well be remembered as the moment when that became glaringly apparent. Where do we go from here?
James Heale and Tim Shipman discuss with pollster Luke Tryl.
Produced by Megan McElroy and Oscar Edmondson.
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The Greens have taken Gorton and Denton, defeating both Labour and Reform in the early hours of this morning. Hannah Spencer’s victory marks the first ever Green by-election gain – but the real shock is Labour’s collapse into third place in one of its safest seats. For Sir Keir Starmer, it’s hard to imagine a worse result. Labour MPs are up bright and early briefing against the Prime Minister, whose odds of a leadership challenge just soared.

Tim Shipman and James Heale join Megan McElroy to discuss.
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Polls are open in Gorton and Denton for the by-election but as we eagerly await the result we thought we’d discuss economics, because looking ahead to next week we’ve got the spring statement. It’s not a major fiscal event – as Rachel Reeves will be anxious to point out – but one which is taking on lots more significance not least by what is being floated… which is not a huge amount. We are expecting a policy light announcement, although many are hoping there could be something in there on student loans. Will the Chancellor emerge from this statement stronger?
Also on the podcast, The Spectator’s cover piece focuses on the quid pro quo between the Exchequer and bankers and how this has come to define Rachel Reeves’ treasury. Are Labour too close to the banks?
Oscar Edmondson speaks to Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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Megan McElroy unpacks a rowdy PMQs with Tim Shipman and Isabel Hardman. Kemi Badenoch made Keir Starmer uncomfortable over student loans but – at a time when trust in the Conservative brand is low – could some of her rhetoric backfire? Plus, what did they make of the revelation that it was the Speaker of the House Lindsay Hoyle that reported Peter Mandelson to police as a flight risk?

Produced by Megan McElroy and Patrick Gibbons.
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Overnight, Peter Mandelson has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

He has not commented publicly in recent weeks, though he has previously denied any wrongdoing.

How long will this row continue to haunt Labour? With more documents due to be released relating to his appointment as US ambassador, can the party contain the damage — or is this just the beginning?

Elsewhere, Keir Starmer has made an unexpected visit to Gorton and Denton. Is this a show of confidence — or a last-ditch attempt to shore up support?

Tim Shipman and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair, join Megan McElroy to discuss.
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