Green Party Members Begin Voting in Leadership Contest Between Ramsay, Polanski, Chowns

The Green Party of England and Wales has opened voting for its leadership contest, with members choosing between the current co-leader Adrian Ramsay, running jointly with MP Ellie Chowns, and deputy leader Zack Polanski, a London Assembly member. Ramsay and Chowns emphasize their political experience and advocate continuing the party's established strategy, which has seen the Greens quadruple their Westminster seats and double their councillors in recent years. Polanski, who describes himself as an 'eco-populist,' is campaigning for bold leadership and a more radical approach to broaden the party's appeal, leveraging social media to reach younger voters and diversify membership. The contest has been marked by tensions, including a notably awkward exchange on an LBC interview and contrasting views on how to engage voters and confront other political forces like Labour and Reform UK. Polanski's rise has coincided with a reported membership increase, while Ramsay and Chowns warn against potentially polarizing rhetoric that could jeopardize the party's progress. The election outcome, to be announced on September 2, is viewed as critical ahead of the party's conference and upcoming elections in 2026, with both sides highlighting different visions for the Greens' future direction.