Green MP insists party will still stand in Makerfield despite call from senior members to step aside
A Green Party MP has insisted the party will remain in the Makerfield byelection despite calls from senior members to step aside.
Ellie Chowns, the Green Party’s Westminster leader, said she thought it was “really important” they were still involved in the crucial election, where Labor’s Andy Burnham hopes to defeat Reform UK.
He was opposing calls from senior members within his party to stand down to give Mr Burnham a better chance of victory.
Green councillors, activists and former party leaders have signed a joint statement saying the party should step aside if the Mayor of Greater Manchester introduces proportional representation.
As can be seen TimesSignatories of the statement include former party leader 2016 and 2018 Jonathan Bartley.
“If Burnham commits to supporting proportional representation for the next general Labor election manifesto, valid until the next election, then we do not think the Greens should run a full-blown campaign against her in this unique situation,” the letter says.
But Ms Chowns said she would not sign the letter even if invited, but suggested the party would not be “throwing the kitchen sink” in its campaigns in the constituency.
“If Andy Burnham thinks he can’t win against Reform unless everyone opts out, then he may not be the messiah Labor needs,” he said at the Hay Festival.
“We are a political party, we exist to take part in every election. In this particular constituency, I think there is a question about the extent to which any party can throw the kitchen sink in a campaign.
“We threw the kitchen sink at Gorton and Denton and won. Makerfield is a different kettle of fish.”
He added: “There are many different ways to run a campaign, from going full steam ahead to getting a candidate on the ballot.
“So the Green Party has a number of options in terms of how we can participate in this election. But I think it’s really important that we participate in this election.”
Looking ahead to the next general election, she added: As a party, we’ve fought our way into the mainstream of politics, and we absolutely intend to stand in every general election seat.”
Chris Kennedy was announced as the Green candidate on Thursday, but the party confirmed he was leaving the race around nine hours later, citing “personal and family reasons”.
Times He later reported that he approached Mr Kennedy regarding a series of social media posts he shared.
In an Instagram video shared by Mr. Kennedy, the arrest of two men for an arson attack on Jewish ambulances was described as “a complete farce*** to keep the false flag flying,” according to the paper.
A spokesperson for the Green Party said: “These posts do not reflect the views of the Green Party.
“We spoke to Chris about these posts and he has now deleted them. He apologizes for any offense caused.”
