Green Party Members Begin Voting to Choose New Leadership Team

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Members of the Green Party of England and Wales have begun casting their votes to select a new leadership team, with two distinct campaigns competing to define the party’s future direction. The vote opened on 1 August and will run through the month, with the result to be announced on 2 September.

The contest is between Zack Polanski, who is standing alone, and a joint leadership bid by current MPs Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns. This follows the party’s recent gains in the 2024 general election, in which it secured several seats, including from former Conservative strongholds.

Polanski, who serves as deputy leader, is running on a platform he describes as “eco-populism,” focusing on growing the party’s base through bold messaging and grassroots mobilisation. He has called for greater alignment with left-leaning political figures and movements, positioning the Greens as a rallying point for disaffected Labour voters.

In contrast, Ramsay and Chowns are campaigning on their parliamentary track record and electoral success, highlighting the need for a pragmatic, results-driven strategy. They emphasise broadening the party’s appeal beyond its core base and building trust with a wider range of voters.

This election marks a key moment of reflection for the party, as members weigh whether to pursue a boulder, media-focused approach or consolidate recent gains through a more conventional parliamentary strategy. The debate has exposed underlying tensions about how best to grow influence, through radical messaging or political credibility.

The leadership election had originally been scheduled for 2024 but was postponed due to the general election. Under party rules, if a single leader is elected, two deputy leaders must be chosen, with one of each gender. If a co-leadership bid is successful, only one deputy leader will be selected.

Throughout July, the candidates have appeared in a series of hustings and public forums, debating policy direction and party strategy. Polanski has prioritised visibility and energising younger activists, while Ramsay and Chowns have stressed discipline, unity, and long-term planning.

Party insiders acknowledge that the outcome will likely influence potential future alliances and electoral strategy. Some suggest that a win for Polanski could attract support from figures on the political left, while others warn that his approach risks limiting the party’s broader appeal.

The outcome is expected to shape the Greens’ position ahead of the next national election cycle.