There are now more than 83,500 Green Party members.
The Green Party of England and Wales has claimed that it now has more members than the Liberal Democrats. The party’s deputy leader Rachel Millward announced that there are now more than 83,500 members of the party in her first speech to the party’s conference since she was elected to the post earlier this year.
The Green Party contrasted this figure with the publicly available membership numbers from the Liberal Democrats, which stood at 83,174 according to reports in August.
Millward told the conference: “We are now officially the fastest growing political movement in Britain. As of right now I can confirm that the Green Party of England and Wales has more members than the Liberal Democrats.”
Left Foot Forward has contacted the Liberal Democrats to verify the Green Party’s claim on their membership figures. Their press office said that the figure of 83,174 reported by the BBC should be cited.
Elsewhere in her speech, Millward laid into the government’s record on climate, investment and international issues. She told the conference: “Whilst the government’s bowing the knee to dangerous dictators, continuing to support genocide in Gaza, and approving climate destruction at Gatwick, our Green led councils have been investing millions in cycling and walking infrastructure, thousands of low carbon homes for social rent, establishing Youth Councils, buying land for rewilding, investing in leisure centres, maternity support, community transport. Greens aren’t just talking about real hope and real change, we’re delivering it.”
Millward’s speech was delivered prior to her fellow deputy Mothin Ali’s. He told the conference: “For those of you that feel left behind – trust me I know your struggles, I’ve lived in poverty, I’ve lived knowing hunger. I remember having to ration milk so my brothers and sisters would have enough for their cereal. I’ve experienced homelessness, and we thought we’d made it when we finally got into a council house. Your enemies aren’t other poor people, your enemies are those that extract wealth from our society, to fill their coffers.”
Chris Jarvis is head of strategy and development at Left Foot Forward
This article is jointly published with Bright Green.
Left Foot Forward doesn't have the backing of big business or billionaires. We rely on the kind and generous support of ordinary people like you.
You can support hard-hitting journalism that holds the right to account, provides a forum for debate among progressives, and covers the stories the rest of the media ignore. Donate today.