Ms Spencer, whose job is a plumber and is training to be a plasterer, is currently a Green Party councillor for the Hale Ward in Trafford, Greater Manchester.
Green’s leader Zack Polanski, speaking as the candidate was announced for their campaign launch at the Pakistani Community Centre in Longsight, Manchester, said: “The Houses of Parliament. Leaky roofs, crumbling walls. I think they need a plumber! And a plasterer! And we’ve got someone who can do both!”
Hannah Spencer speaking after being announced as the Green Party’s candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election, at Pakistani Community Centre in Manchester. (Image: James Speakman/PA Wire)
Ms Spencer, who was born in Bolton, left school at 16 and whose mother is a nurse, was joined at the campaign rally by her four greyhounds, Forrest, Olive, Judy and Will.
In a speech to activists, she said: “I didn’t go to university to study politics. I’m a plumber here in Manchester. I fixed homes for a living. I spend my days in people’s kitchens, in their bathrooms, and their front rooms.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski with Asma Alam (left) announcing Hannah Spencer (centre) as the party’s candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election, at Pakistani Community Centre in Manchester. (Image: James Speakman/PA Wire)
“See them firsthand, how people are really coping. And what I’ve seen, time and time again is people struggling. Now, everyone in this city region knows what it’s like to struggle.”
Ms Spencer said: “Muslims don’t keep me awake at night. I don’t lose sleep over trans people trying to exist in peace. What keeps me up at night is child poverty.
Hannah Spencer takes a selfie after being announced as the Green Party’s candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election, at Pakistani Community Centre in Manchester. (Image: James Speakman/PA Wire)
“I don’t believe that solidarity ends on our streets. I don’t believe it ends in our town or on the UK’s borders.”
Ms Spencer also told activists she would be “laser focused” as an MP on ending, “Britain’s enabling of Israel’s genocide.”
She added: “And Gorton and Denton will reject Reform. A party that loves Trump, that is backed by big finance and an extreme candidate who sees this place as just a rung on the radical right career.
“And in the face of hatred, we will do what we always do. We will stick together and we will crack on, because this is Manchester and we do things differently here.”
Angeliki Stogia has been announced as Labour’s candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
It comes after the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham was denied permission to stand for the party, prompting internal division within Labour.
The by-election was prompted by the resignation of former MP Andrew Gwynne, who stood down citing health reasons.