Greens review policy-making process as membership triples under Polanski
11 reported
Senior Green Party members are examining ways to revamp the party’s structures to make them more effective and representative, following a tripling of membership since Zack Polanski became leader last September. Under the party’s direct-democracy model, policy is voted on only by members who attend one of its two annual conferences, a system some Greens believe risks empowering organized fringe activists who make the effort to travel. No decisions have been made, but possible changes include local parties nominating delegates to vote on behalf of members, or allowing online voting while keeping one-member democracy. One Green official noted that the in-person voting system is self-selecting and has become more disproportionate as membership grew from about 68,000 to more than 230,000. Another party figure said there is increasing acceptance that the system needs to be looked at, stating that 0.05% of members currently make policy decisions. The review comes amid controversies such as a motion at the spring conference in March that sought to commit the party to the view that “Zionism is racism,” which was delayed due to procedural difficulties and could return in October.
What’s reported
Green Party membership has more than tripled since Zack Polanski became leader last September, from about 68,000 to more than 230,000.
Policy is currently voted on only by members who attend one of two annual conferences.
One Green official described the in-person voting system as “self-selecting” and “more disproportionate” now.
A party figure said 0.05% of members make policy decisions and “things need to change.”
Possible reforms include local parties nominating delegates or allowing online voting.
A motion at the spring conference in March sought to commit the party to the view that “Zionism is racism”; it was delayed due to procedural and technical difficulties and could return in October.
The logistics of Green party conferences have been organized by the same single person for about 20 years; only this year do they have a team to help.
Some senior Greens argue Polanski has been too focused on broadcasting the party’s message to devote enough time to improving internal structures.
Another discussion is whether the leadership model, which gives the leader limited powers, is outdated for a party polling as high as 19% nationally.
Polanski won almost 85% of members’ votes in the leadership election.
The Greens face a decision on how to respond to Andy Burnham as prime minister, with one figure saying they need to remain distinctive.
Key figures
Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party in England and Wales
Andy Burnham, prime minister
One Green official (unnamed)
Another party figure (unnamed)
One senior figure (unnamed)
Sources: The Guardian
