Greens split over how hard to challenge Burnham in Makerfield byelection
Summary
The Green Party in England faces a debate over how strongly to oppose Andy Burnham from Labour in the upcoming Makerfield byelection. Some Greens want to compete fully to win, while others prefer to avoid splitting the vote and risking a win by Reform UK, a right-wing party.Key Facts
- The Makerfield byelection is expected next month, with the Greens deciding soon whether to run a candidate.
- In a prior byelection in Gorton and Denton, the Greens successfully beat Reform UK by campaigning hard.
- Makerfield is less favorable to the Greens; they finished fifth there in the 2024 general election.
- Caroline Lucas, the former Green MP, supports not opposing Burnham strongly to prevent a Reform UK win.
- Some Greens oppose helping Labour and want to offer voters a clear Green choice.
- There is a split on whether to cooperate informally with Labour to gain policy concessions, especially on voting system reform.
- The Green Party executive committee will decide how much campaign support to give, with leader Zack Polanski likely influential.
- Some Greens distrust Burnham due to past conflicts and unclear commitment to Green priorities.
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