The Green Party of England and Wales is currently undergoing a leadership election and local Green Party members are in the throes of voting, and some will have done so already. Voting is open from 01 – 31 August and the results scheduled for 02 September 2025.
These elections are usually held every two years but last year’s was postponed avoiding a clash with the UK general election. This biannual schedule ensures that the party frequently engages its members in the democratic process, allowing for periodic reassessment and renewal of its leadership.
Democratic Process in Action
The Green Party’s leadership election is structured to ensure broad participation and transparency. Candidates can either run individually or as part of a co-leadership team, reflecting the party’s inclusive approach to leadership.
The election process includes several key stages, such as the opening of nominations, campaign periods, and hustings held across the country, both in-person and online. This extensive process ensures that all members can engage with the candidates and make informed decisions. The use of an alternative vote system further emphasises the party’s commitment to fair and representative elections.
Grassroots Contributions
The Green Party of England and Wales prides itself on being a grassroots-driven organisation. Unlike many political parties that rely heavily on financial contributions from millionaires and large corporations, the Green Party emphasises the importance of individual contributions and community involvement. This approach not only democratises the funding of political campaigns but also ensures that the party remains accountable to its members rather than wealthy donors.
The party’s manifesto and policies are developed through extensive consultation with its members, ensuring that the voices of ordinary people are heard and reflected in the party’s platform. This grassroots involvement is crucial in shaping the party’s direction and priorities, making it a truly member-led organisation.
The Leadership Election
The current leadership election is between Zack Polanski (current Deputy Leader and member of the London Assembly), and the co-leadership team of Adrian Ramsay MP (current co-leader) and Ellie Chowns MP both of whom sit in the House of Commons representing Waveney Valley and North Herefordshire respectively. Each candidate brings a unique vision for the party’s future, emphasising different aspects of the Green Party’s core values. The hustings and debates provide a platform for these candidates to present their ideas and engage with the party’s members, fostering a vibrant and participatory democratic culture within the party.
Other key roles within the party up for election include: Deputy Leader, Chair of the Green Party Executive (GPEx); Elections Coordinator and External Communications Coordinator. These and the other roles available are essential for the effective operation and strategic direction of the Green Party, ensuring that it remains a dynamic and responsive political organisation.
Democratic and member-driven
By prioritising grassroots contributions and ensuring a transparent and inclusive election process, the party demonstrates its commitment to being a truly democratic and member-driven political force. This approach not only strengthens the party’s internal democracy but also sets a benchmark for how political organisations can operate with integrity and accountability.
Naturally only party members (as of 31 July) can vote in these internal elections and if you are not yet a member but intend to join, you can be part of the process the next time around.