Carla Denyer, the co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, announced on May 9, 2025, that she will not seek re-election to focus on her role as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bristol Central. Her decision marks a significant shift for the party, which recently achieved its best-ever performance in the UK Parliament, securing four MPs in the last general election.
Denyer, who has led the party alongside Adrian Ramsay since 2021, expressed her commitment to making a positive impact through her parliamentary work. "For me, my guiding light has always been ‘How can I make the biggest positive impact?'" she stated. "And I’ve decided that for the next few years, the best way I can serve the party and the country is to pour all of my skills, passion and energy into being the best MP I can be, in Parliament and in Bristol Central."
As Denyer steps back, Ramsay faces a crucial decision regarding whether to run for leadership alone or with a new co-candidate. The Green Party's rules stipulate that co-leaders must be of different genders, complicating the leadership dynamics. Ramsay, the MP for Waveney Valley, now has to navigate these regulations as he prepares for the upcoming internal elections.
Meanwhile, Zack Polanski, the party’s deputy leader and a member of the London Assembly, has announced his candidacy for the leadership position. Polanski aims to transform the party into a more robust “eco-populism” movement, emphasizing the need for the Greens to be bolder and more vocal in the current political landscape. He stated that the party must meet the challenge posed by the rising right-wing sentiments in the UK, particularly from groups like Reform UK.
As the Green Party gears up for its leadership election, which will take place this summer, the internal dynamics will be closely scrutinized. Nominations for the election will open on June 2, with voting scheduled throughout August. The last leadership election was held in 2021, and the party's decision not to hold an election in 2024 coincided with the general election, leaving the current leadership team in place for an extended period.
Denyer's tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including increasing the party's MP count from one to four and expanding its local council representation from 450 to over 850 councillors. In her statement, she highlighted the importance of addressing critical issues such as rent controls and creating green jobs, stating, "We’re at a critical juncture in British politics. People are feeling deeply let down and are looking for real alternatives."
The Green Party's unique co-leadership structure has been a point of discussion within the party and among political observers. While it aims to promote gender inclusivity, some argue that it may hinder the party's ability to respond quickly to the evolving political landscape. As Polanski's candidacy unfolds, he will need to find a suitable female candidate to run alongside Ramsay if they choose to maintain the co-leadership model.
The upcoming leadership contest is not just about personnel changes; it represents a pivotal moment for the Green Party as it seeks to solidify its position on the progressive left of UK politics. With public frustration growing over issues such as climate change and inequality, the Greens have an opportunity to rally disillusioned voters looking for a viable alternative to the traditional two-party system.
As the party prepares for this critical election, the stakes are high. Polanski's vision of a more dynamic and inclusive Green Party could resonate with voters eager for change, but the internal rules may pose challenges in achieving that vision. The party must balance its commitment to diversity with the need for effective leadership that can navigate the complex political landscape.
In conclusion, as Carla Denyer steps aside, the Green Party stands at a crossroads. The decisions made in the coming months will not only shape the future of the party but also determine its ability to capitalize on the growing discontent among voters seeking progressive alternatives. The leadership election will be a test of the Greens' adaptability and vision in a rapidly changing political environment.
