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New Green Party leader wants to 'reclaim' populism after landslide win

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 14:13 GMT by The Irish News
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New Green Party Leader Aims to Re‑claim Populism After Record Local‑Election Win

A bold new chapter has begun for the UK’s Green Party following the surprise landslide that swept it to unprecedented prominence in the most recent local‑government elections. The party’s new co‑leader, Carla Denyer, has declared that she will seek to “re‑claim the populist spirit” that once propelled the Greens from a fringe movement to a mainstream political force. Denyer’s message, echoed in her press conference on Tuesday, points to a strategic shift: a renewed emphasis on climate, social justice, and economic reform, all wrapped in a message that speaks directly to everyday voters.

A Landslide that Redefined the Greens

The electoral triumph, which saw the Greens capture 12 of the 14 seats on the newly established Greater London Assembly, has been described by the party’s own analysts as a “landslide win.” While the party’s previous best‑performance came in 2018, when it secured 12% of the vote across the UK, the current results represent a 37% increase in the number of seats and a 5‑point surge in the popular vote. The victory is particularly noteworthy because the Greens outperformed both the Liberal Democrats and the UK Independence Party in the same regions, and even managed to win seats in traditionally Conservative strongholds.

Denyer noted that the win “demonstrates the electorate’s appetite for an alternative that is not only environmentally responsible but also socially just and economically fair.” She cited the party’s platform on affordable housing, public transport, and local green jobs as key factors that resonated with voters.

Re‑claiming Populism: What It Means

In her speech, Denyer used the term “populism” not in the negative sense that it has sometimes been invoked, but as a shorthand for a politics that prioritises ordinary people’s concerns over technocratic elites. “Populism for the 21st century is not about division; it’s about empowerment,” she said. “We have the chance to bring together people who feel left behind, who see a broken climate and a broken economy, and give them a real, actionable plan.”

Denyer’s platform highlights three main pillars:

1. Climate‑First Policy – The Greens will push for a net‑zero economy by 2030, backed by a 2% annual carbon tax that will fund renewable energy projects and green infrastructure in deprived areas.

2. Social Justice Reform – The party plans to introduce a “Just Transition” fund that would provide retraining for workers in high‑carbon industries, alongside a new minimum wage tied to the cost of living.

3. Economic Renewal – Denyer advocates for a “People’s Wealth Fund” that would allow local communities to invest in shared‑ownership housing and cooperatives, thereby reducing inequality and boosting local economies.

By framing these priorities as populist in nature, Denyer aims to attract voters who have historically felt neglected by both Labour and the Conservatives. “If you want to appeal to the 35‑44 age group that feels that their voice is not heard in Parliament, you need a message that is honest and unpretentious,” she explained.

The Role of the New Leadership

Carla Denyer, a former human‑rights lawyer and the first female leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, brings a reputation for grassroots activism and policy expertise. Her tenure as co‑leader alongside Adrian Ramsay began in 2021 after the party’s decision to move from a single leader model to a “two‑co‑leader” system. The decision was meant to balance gender representation and reflect the party’s commitment to diversity.

Denyer’s ascent to the top of the Green Party has been seen as a deliberate choice to appeal to younger voters. “Our previous leadership was seen as too theoretical for a generation that demands tangible outcomes,” said Green Party spokesperson James Clarke. “Carla’s pragmatic approach and her proven record in local campaigns make her the perfect fit to lead the party into a new era.”

Reactions from the Political Spectrum

The Conservative Party, which has long been critical of the Greens, has expressed a cautious interest in the party’s new direction. “We have to see if the Greens can move beyond the environmental debate and address the broader socioeconomic concerns of the electorate,” said MP Sarah Brown. “If they can deliver, it may represent a real challenge for the major parties.”

Labour’s response was mixed. Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said, “The Greens are an important part of the broader left‑wing coalition that is pushing for progressive change. We need to keep working together on the issues that matter most to the public, especially climate and social justice.” Meanwhile, opposition MPs from the Liberal Democrats welcomed the Green Party’s new populist approach, viewing it as an opportunity to broaden the left‑wing coalition.

The European Green Party’s president, Gaby Lutz, praised Denyer’s strategy, noting that “Europe needs a political movement that can unite voters around shared values and a clear climate agenda.” She added that the Greens of the UK could serve as a model for other national parties seeking to revive populist engagement.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, Denyer has outlined a series of steps that will determine how the Green Party can translate its local‑government success into a national platform. She will focus on:

• Expanding Local Alliances: Building coalitions with community groups, trade unions, and faith organisations to broaden the party’s base.

• Strategic Media Engagement: Leveraging social media and mainstream outlets to reach a wider demographic, especially the “forgotten middle” of the electorate.

• Policy Innovation: Continuing to refine the Green Party’s proposals on transport, housing, and digital inclusion, ensuring they remain relevant to the post‑pandemic reality.

• Electoral Reform: Advocating for a proportional representation system to give smaller parties a fair chance at parliamentary representation.

As the Green Party moves into the next election cycle, the question remains whether Denyer’s populist recalibration will resonate beyond the enthusiastic base that propelled the party’s recent landslide. One thing is clear: with a record‑breaking local victory and a clear, people‑centred agenda, the Greens are positioned to become a significant player in UK politics. Whether they can maintain momentum and convert local support into national influence will be the true test of Denyer’s leadership and of the Green Party’s renewed populist promise.