Analysis: Green Party Leadership Election
We know that if you signed the Declaration, and are one of our supporters or members, that you want to protect the environment, the planet and the people on it. To that end, you also want a strong, democratic Green Party. So, of course, you want to use your vote in the Leadership and Executive elections.
BUT, perhaps you missed the email from the national Returning Officer, or the link didn't work, or there was too much to read and the print was too small and then you ran out of time - none the wiser about the candidates.
Green Women's Declaration is here to help. We can hold your hand and help you to navigate the process. The campaigning starts now and will continue through July. Voting starts on 1 August.
First, here is the link to the GPEW members' website where you will find all the candidates and the posts they are standing for. Click through to see photos, candidate statements in full, and videos. Check out our later posts for further analysis of the candidates.
Ellie Chowns & Adrian Ramsay - Leaders
Ellie and Adrian make many of the same points in their statement as
they make in their video.
They emphasise that they have both been in the Green Party for the long haul and that they have a strong track record as Councillors and now MPs of listening to voters and activists and working with them to achieve success.
They understand the links between environmental and social justice and their statement includes quotes of support from serving Councillors and Caroline Lucas.
They stress that being in Westminster gives the GPEW a stronger voice as they are able to reach out with their message beyond their own area to the whole country.
What does GWD think?
GWD supports Ellie and Adrian. Let's be honest, they are not perfect. They know what a woman is but don't like to say so. They look worried when challenged but do nothing - but looking worried and turning away won't help women or the planet.
If they are elected we will be looking for more honesty - honesty about the scale of the climate emergency, honesty about the lack of internal democracy in GPEW and honesty about the damage being done to loyal Green Party activists.
GWD believes that Ellie and Adrian are people of principle and have the skills and experience to be GPEW Leaders. We are putting our trust in them.
Zack Polanski - Leader
In his statement Zack makes reference to his identity and the personal journey that has led him to this point in his political career.
What he would bring to GPEW? In his own words.
A party of environmental, racial, social and economic justice.
A party that changes politics forever by winning representation for diverse communities in the corridors of power.
A party that speaks with clarity, confidence and compassion.
That starts with bold leadership that cuts through.
I’ll be a leader who listens, leads from the front and amplifies others.
A leader who brings people in, organises and works hard every day to make change happen.
Let’s grow this movement together. Let’s be much bolder about how many MPs we win next time.
What does GWD think?
Zack talks in sound bites, rarely mentioning the environment.
He is a slick speaker and expert self publicist. But he is no friend of women and has allowed his supporters to abuse the complaints process to suspend or expel numerous members on trivial grounds without ever voicing any concerns.
GWD believes that a Green Party led by Zack would move even further away from science and rational, respectful debate. We doubt that he would be able to prevent splits and anticipate that he would create even more internal chaos.