Green Party MP Zack Polanski has claimed that five Labour MPs are considering defecting to his party following the Greens' unexpected victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Polanski stated he was in discussions with what he described as a 'handful' of disaffected backbenchers from Keir Starmer's party in the wake of the by-election result, which marked a significant upset for Labour in a traditionally safe seat.

The Green MP also outlined his party's foreign policy positions, including plans to 'build relationships' with Russia and pursue nuclear disarmament if his party gained influence in government.

Labour leader Keir Starmer has scheduled what sources describe as a rare 'political' Cabinet meeting for Tuesday to address the implications of the by-election loss and strategize ahead of local elections scheduled for May.

The Gorton and Denton result has raised concerns within Labour about potential coalition dynamics between left-wing parties and the Greens that could impact the party's performance in upcoming local contests across England.