Internal divisions have surfaced within the Green Party, with accusations of 'racism' and a perceived departure from core environmental values threatening to destabilize local branches. The mother of a newly elected Green Party Member of Parliament, Liz Spencer, stated that the party has become a haven for "less than nice people" after straying from its ecological roots.
Spencer, who was an early member of the party when it was known as the Ecology Party, told the Manchester Mill that a growing rift exists within the Bolton branch. She described a divide between traditional members focused on environmental issues and four recently elected councillors, suggesting this internal conflict has made the party a "laughing stock" in local politics. "The atmosphere of paranoia is huge, and nobody trusts anybody," she added.
The comments come as the Green Party's representation on Bolton Council has grown. Baggy Khan, Zan Arif, and Ismail Ibrahim were elected this year, joining group leader Hanif Alli, who was elected in 2024. However, some party members allege that these new councillors do not align with Green Party values.
Helena Carman, who ran for the Greens in the recent local elections, stated that Alli is "not Green," claiming he "walks around as if he is, but he is truly not."
Allegations of Racism and Threats to Resign
In response to these internal tensions, all four Green councillors on Bolton Council have reportedly threatened to resign over allegations of 'racism' directed at them by older party members. Councillor Alli accused a "core 'white' group" of engaging in "orchestrated abuse and press leaks," branding traditional Bolton Green members as "racists."
Alli further alleged that this group is "drunk on a short taste of political power and in their quest to rid the [Bolton Green Party] of any people of colour or tarnish them at any cost to the Green Party and its values."
Broader Party Concerns
Conservative sources have echoed criticisms of the Green Party's national leadership, suggesting a trend of internal conflict under Zack Polanski. A former Green Party councillor and London Assembly member who recently defected to the Labour Party also commented on the party's shift. He stated that while increased diversity was needed, the party's "re-invention" as a "hard-left populist party" has led to a loss of values and the admission of "unpleasant people" with little interest in the Green agenda.
A spokesperson for the Labour Party criticized the Greens, saying, "While the Greens are busy fighting among themselves, Labour is focused on delivering for people across Greater Manchester." They added that the infighting demonstrates the challenges of a "protest party" suddenly taking on responsibility, questioning voters' trust in a party consumed by internal dysfunction.
A spokesperson for the Green Party declined to comment on internal matters, stating, "We are continuing to support our councillors and members in Bolton."