Growth of the Green Party
With the new leadership of the Green Party, Zack Polanski could offer a breath of fresh air in today’s political climate. Since his leadership began in September, there has been a surge of support, with reports indicating that there has been a 45% increase in membership since his election. A large percentage of that is due to young people. How has the party suddenly gained such rapid momentum, and what does this mean for the politics of our generation?
“Our membership boom reflects growing public frustration with the political status quo and a hunger for genuine alternatives,” Zack Polanski states, pointing towards the growing frustration towards the Labour Party, who have diverted from their core political beliefs since their formation. In the latest YouGov voting intention poll, the Greens are within 2% of Labour, proving to be a serious contender. While the Green Party’s core beliefs lay in growing a greener environment, it is clear to see that young people are identifying with their other economic and social aims: increasing taxation on the wealthy, increasing minimum wage, and investing in small businesses and education. Polanski has made these aims clear and direct. It is important for our generation to understand the importance knowing any party’s intentions.
Why did this change coincide with Polanski’s leadership?
Polanski understands that modern politics is constantly reported on in all forms of media, and the party’s support will come from a more direct media presence. He brings out a different type of leadership: subverting establishment-bound politics with a more grassroots-focused, modern, direct style. By being present in the media, he has positioned the party as real opposition by defending core left-wing values.
So, why are young people turning towards the Green Party?
Recently more than ever, young adults are experiencing disillusionment with Labour and the Conservatives. Many feel that both major parties avoid bold policies, focus on winning votes of the older generations, and overall don’t represent their priorities. Importantly, we are dealing with the repercussions of high rent, job precarity, stagnant wages and limited access to home ownership - first steps into adulthood that have never proved to be so hard. More progressive policies from the Green Party have inspired a surge of hope that these issues can be reformed. In addition, the party offers a resolution to the pressing need of climate action. Many young adults feel that there is no long-term solution for environmental security for an Earth that they will grow on. In response to the urgent climate crisis, the Green party’s manifesto outlines plans to replace fossil fuels and nuclear power with greener energy sources. They plan to incorporate wind plants which would provide ~70% of the UK’s electricity by 2030. In comparison, the only environmental policy in the Conservative Party’s manifesto is limited to fishing, and the Labour party’s manifesto outlines many beneficial plans such as employing water companies to clean local rivers. However, many are disillusioned with Labour, due to the lack of urgency to the climate crisis.
Yet the surge has not been in isolation. It reflects the broader shift in British politics, where certain parties are becoming increasingly influential. Reform UK, for example, has gained popularity through direct, populist messaging, and the Liberal Democrats continue to position themselves as centrist. The Greens have carved out a distinct identity rooted in progressive economics, climate policies and activism, resonating with young voters keen for representation. The diverse number of voices may mean that future British politics could be far more pluralistic than in the past.
Ultimately, the party’s surge under Zack Polanski underlines the desire for representation. Whether the momentum carries into the next general election is unknown, yet the shift itself is meaningful. It marks a political landscape where new voices are now represented.
Sources:
https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/politics/greens-level-with-tories-in-latest-yougov-poll-400452/
Conservative-Manifesto-GE2024.pdf
Change Labour Party Manifesto 2024
https://unsplash.com/photos/big-ben-and-the-houses-of-parliament-at-dusk-soN9dynO5fo
Amber Collett
