Green Party Surpasses Liberal Democrats in Membership Amid Leadership Shift

The Green Party of England and Wales has experienced a significant surge in both membership and political momentum under new leadership, with membership surpassing that of the Liberal Democrats for the first time in over a decade. Zack Polanski, the party's leader, and deputy co-leader Rachel Millward attribute this growth to energized campaigning, improved communication, and policies focused on equality, housing affordability, and environmental issues, particularly resonating in traditionally Conservative areas of the South East. Despite some concerns about Polanski's more radical positions, such as legalizing all drugs and advocating for the UK leaving NATO, party members emphasize a broad appeal rooted in addressing social inequalities and climate action. The Greens have also joined broader progressive networks like Stand Up to Racism, highlighting their commitment to combating hate speech and promoting social justice. This surge in membership and activism is viewed as part of a larger strategy to transform the party into a mass movement capable of significantly increasing parliamentary representation at future elections. The party's leadership expresses optimism about continued growth and influence, framing their efforts as delivering tangible community benefits rather than mere rhetoric.