Last week may turn out to have been a turning point in the reform of The Green Party of England and Wales (GPEW) as it faces increasing internal conflict, largely over its controversial disciplinary procedures, which have led to over 20 recent expulsions and suspensions, particularly of members with “gender-critical” views. Recent events highlight the tensions within the party as ordinary members are becoming aware of the problems and are making sure their voices are heard. These events include two Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) held in both Bristol and the North West on October 2nd and the Eastern Region GPRC rep election result announced on Friday.
Bristol Area EGM
In Bristol, the expulsion of Councillor Jude English became the focal point of a heated debate.
Two motions were on the table. The first was to endorse a proposed national review of the legal basis to the party’s disciplinary processes that was announced in early September by the party’s executive committee. This motion passed.
The second motion criticising Jude English’s expulsion and calling for a review of the party’s disciplinary process was introduced but was undermined by a “wrecking amendment” that completely changed its content. The meeting ended in disarray without a vote, reflecting deep divisions and procedural dysfunction. More details of what happened in Bristol can be found at The Left Lane.
North West Region EGM
In contrast, the North West meeting led to the recall of Melanie Earp, co-chair of the party’s governing disciplinary body GPRC and her fellow GPRC colleague Lyndsay McAteer, suggesting increasing pressure for leadership accountability. This motion to recall the two GPRC reps came about as they had exhibited a conflict of interest in dealings with two local party officials.
Eastern Region GPRC rep election
In the east Ben Foley unsuccessfully stood for re-election as the GPRC rep and has now been replaced by Richard Bearman.
This is important as Ben has been involved in the persecution of several Greens In Exile, including most notable of late, close colleague of co-leader Adrian Ramsay, and GPEW Health Spokesperson Dr Pallavi Devulapalli. It is widely thought that recent action by GPRC to place Dr Devulapalli on a no fault suspension led to the proposed national review of the party’s disciplinary processes.
The internal strife is happening despite the party’s electoral successes earlier this year, raising concerns about its future unity. Some members argue for urgent reform, while others remain defensive of the current processes, fearing further division. The leadership has yet to respond to these recent developments.