Carla Denyer has announced she is stepping down as co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales to focus on her role as MP for Bristol Central.

Elected in 2021 alongside Adrian Ramsay, Denyer helped the party achieve its best-ever general election result, securing four MPs. She cited the need to dedicate her energy to Parliament and her constituency during a “critical juncture” in British politics.

Ramsay praised Denyer’s “inspirational leadership,” highlighting her ability to broaden the party’s appeal. The leadership contest, opening for nominations on June 2nd, will see party members vote throughout August, with results announced on September 2nd. Under party rules, co-leaders must be of different genders.

Current deputy leader, Zack Polanski, has launched his leadership campaign, advocating for a “bolder” approach. He aims to build a “mass movement” to counter Reform UK, stating that “incremental change can’t be the Green Party’s future.” Polanski emphasized the need to challenge “power and excess wealth” and provide a genuine alternative to the two-party system.

Denyer’s departure comes amidst internal discussions on issues like gender and trans rights, and challenges in balancing the party’s diverse voter base, spanning urban and rural areas. Ramsay’s opposition to pylons in his constituency has also sparked debate regarding the party’s stance on renewable energy.

Despite increasing their number of councillors for the eighth consecutive year in recent local elections, the Green Party came third in the West of England mayoral race. Polanski acknowledged the “solid” but “incremental” local election results.

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