The People party, founded in the early 1970s, proposed a radical platform that included a one hundred percent tax on income or profits above certain levels, radical land reform, a universal basic income, and nuclear disarmament. However, their belief that “overpopulation” was contributing to the climate crisis led them to also propose strict immigration controls. Despite their unique stance, the party managed to garner around 4,500 votes across seven seats in the 1974 elections.
Initially positioned on the left, the People party was not necessarily aligned with traditional leftist ideologies. Coming from a middle-class, Tory-ish background, the founders had conservative influences. Their focus was not solely on overthrowing capitalism but on adapting it to address pressing issues such as climate collapse and nuclear annihilation.
As the party evolved, it absorbed many participants from the 1968 left-wing protest movement, shifting towards a more leftward stance. In 1975, it rebranded itself as the Ecology party to emphasize its environmental focus and the interconnectedness of various issues. This shift was also reflected in the party’s support for initiatives like the miners’ strike and nuclear disarmament.
In the late 1980s, amid growing concerns about environmental issues like the ozone layer depletion, the party experienced a surge in support. The Greens won 15 percent of the vote in the 1989 European elections, attracting a new wave of members. However, the party struggled to sustain this momentum due to organizational challenges and internal divisions.
The party’s name change to the Green party in 1985 mirrored the success of the German Greens and highlighted its commitment to environmentalism. The party grappled with ideological differences between the “realos” and “fundis,” reflecting tensions between pragmatism and idealism within the party.
In the post-Cold War era, the Green party continued to evolve, attracting a new generation of members who sought to address a broader range of issues beyond traditional class-based politics. The party’s internal dynamics shifted, with a focus on environmentalism, social justice, and democratic structures.
The Young Greens, a new generation of members, emerged in the 2000s with a renewed focus on addressing the party’s challenges. They advocated for a shift towards messages rooted in people’s material concerns and a stronger emphasis on systemic change to address the climate crisis and economic issues.
Overall, the Green party’s journey from the People party to the Ecology party and finally the Green party reflects a complex evolution shaped by changing political landscapes, environmental concerns, and internal dynamics. The party’s ability to adapt and respond to emerging challenges will continue to shape its role in progressive politics. The Green Party has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a shift towards a more left-wing and intersectional approach to politics. This transformation has been driven by a new generation of activists who are pushing for a more radical and socially-just agenda.
One key aspect of this shift has been a greater emphasis on clarity and transparency in communicating the party’s policies to the public. In the past, there was a tendency to shy away from explicitly stating the party’s leftist principles, with some members preferring to describe the party as “forward” rather than left or right. However, younger members felt that it was important to be upfront about their socialist values in order to win elections and gain the trust of voters.
This change in approach was exemplified by Siân Berry’s 2008 London mayoral campaign, which focused on making London more affordable for all residents. In addition, the party started training council candidates to engage with voters and discuss Green policies in ways that resonated with their everyday concerns.
Another significant development was the party’s embrace of intersectionality, which involves recognizing and addressing the interconnected nature of social issues such as racism, sexism, and ableism. This shift led to a more inclusive and diverse party that actively supported migrants’, LGBTQ+, and disabled people’s rights.
One area where the party faced internal challenges was in overcoming lingering Malthusian beliefs, particularly in relation to population control. However, younger members successfully challenged these outdated views and pushed for a more progressive and inclusive approach to social and environmental justice.
Overall, the Green Party’s evolution towards a more left-wing and intersectional stance has been met with both enthusiasm and controversy. While some members have embraced these changes wholeheartedly, others have resisted, reflecting broader debates within the party about the best path forward. Nevertheless, the party’s commitment to bold and progressive policies remains strong, as it continues to advocate for a more just and sustainable future for all. The Green Party in the UK has seen significant growth and transformation over the past decade, driven by a shift to the left and a renewed focus on radical policies. Many Green press officers and functionaries initially feared the party’s more radical stance, believing that being attacked by tabloids was a negative thing. However, this mindset changed as they realized that stirring controversy could actually rally support from progressives.
Caroline Lucas, along with other influential figures like Berry and Bennett, played a crucial role in steering the party towards a more left-wing direction. Lucas, in particular, championed the Green New Deal and was a vocal critic of austerity and NHS privatization. Her socialist principles and feminist politics resonated with many Green members, leading to a surge in party membership and support.
The party’s growth was also fueled by the independence referendum in Scotland, where the Scottish Greens saw a significant increase in membership. In England and Wales, Natalie Bennett toured the country to present a broad vision for a left radicalism that resonated with many disillusioned by the two-party system.
Despite facing challenges during the Corbyn era and Brexit, the Green Party found a niche in highlighting environmental issues and rural radicalism. The rise of environmental activism across Europe, symbolized by figures like Greta Thunberg and movements like Extinction Rebellion, further boosted the party’s popularity.
One of the key struggles for the Green Party in recent years has been maintaining a consistent tone and addressing internal conflicts, particularly around issues like transphobia. Younger members have taken a stand against transphobic behavior, leading to the expulsion of some prominent figures from the party.
Despite these challenges, the Green Party has experienced significant growth, with a notable increase in the number of Green councillors across the UK. This growth can be attributed to a combination of Labour’s shift to the right under Starmer and the groundwork laid by the party’s leftward surge in the mid-2010s.
Overall, the Green Party’s journey from caution and middle-class niceness to bold radicalism and growth is a testament to the power of progressive politics and grassroots activism. With a renewed focus on environmental issues and social justice, the Green Party in the UK continues to make strides towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Natalie Berry left behind a powerful legacy within the Green Party, one that saw the party grow and evolve in significant ways. Despite a post-surge loss of around 25,000 members following the Corbyn era, the party found itself with a solid foundation of around 42,000 members, a significant increase from where it had started in 2014 with only around 14,000 members. This growth was attributed to the hard work of Green election guru Chris Williams, who was instrumental in rebuilding the party’s membership numbers after Starmer replaced Corbyn, with membership reaching 58,000 by the end of 2024.
This growth was also reflective of a generational shift within the party, with a new wave of Green millennials like Williams, who had spent their twenties perfecting the art of ground campaigning, now coming into their own and leading the party to new heights. This was evidenced in the 2021 London Assembly election, where the party won three seats, breaking a longstanding deadlock and ushering in a new era of success. One of the key figures in this success was Zack Polanski, a relative newcomer to the party who quickly rose to prominence as an organizer and media performer.
Following the resignation of co-leaders Berry and Jonathan Bartley, a by-election was held, leading to the emergence of new leadership candidates like Amelia Womack and Tam Omond, who advocated for bolder communication strategies and a focus on growing membership and capacity. Ultimately, Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay emerged victorious, with their focus on targeting key constituencies and raising the party’s profile for future electoral success.
As the party continued to grow and expand its influence, with the addition of four MPs, there was a sense that a new era of radicalism was taking hold. The debate between leaders like Ramsay, Chowns, and Polanski centered not just on policy but on tone, with different approaches to engaging with the media and the public. While some advocated for a more consensual and de-polarizing approach, others, like Polanski, championed a more confrontational and attention-grabbing style rooted in addressing societal inequalities.
Polanski’s leadership style resonated with a majority of party members, signaling a shift towards a more assertive and proactive approach to politics. This shift was further solidified by the formation of the Greens Organise grouping in 2024, which helped embed this new mainstream view within the party. With a focus on embracing conflict, charismatic leadership, and a commitment to tackling social and environmental issues head-on, the Green Party under Polanski’s leadership has continued to make waves and challenge the status quo.
Overall, Natalie Berry’s legacy within the Green Party can be seen in the party’s growth, evolution, and newfound sense of purpose. Through her dedication to addressing issues like transphobia and promoting bold and progressive policies, Berry set the stage for a new generation of Green leaders to emerge and lead the party to even greater heights. As the party continues to navigate the ever-changing political landscape, Berry’s influence and vision remain a guiding force for the Greens and their ongoing mission to create a more sustainable and just society for all. There is a growing presence of progressive movements in the UK, with George Galloway’s Workers’ Party bloc attracting a small crowd of supporters. However, the landscape of the left in Europe is evolving, with a blend of intersectional ecologism and socialism giving rise to a broader eco-socialist common sense. This shift is particularly evident in the rise of the Greens in the UK.
The recent influx of over 130,000 new members into the Green Party has been a transformative experience for many long-standing party members. Rather than feeling like interlopers, these new joiners have been welcomed with open arms, creating a sense of community and shared purpose. It’s as if they’ve all gathered in a massive hall for a celebration, with friends trickling in at first, then a steady stream of supporters, and now a flood of thousands bringing music, hope, and cheer.
The party is just getting started, with a sense of optimism and momentum driving the movement forward. The Green Party’s commitment to environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic equality resonates with a growing number of individuals who are seeking a more progressive and inclusive political alternative.
Adam Ramsay, an investigative journalist and author of the Abolish Westminster newsletter, captures the essence of this shift towards eco-socialism within the left. His insights shed light on the changing dynamics within the Green Party and the broader progressive movement in the UK.
As the Green Party continues to attract new members and expand its influence, it is clear that a new era of progressive politics is taking shape. With a focus on environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic justice, the Greens are poised to lead the charge towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
