Key Takeaways
- Jamie Driscoll, the former Labour metro mayor for North of Tyne, has joined the Greens.
- Driscoll’s decision comes after he was blocked from running for Labour again and later became involved in efforts to set up a new left-wing party.
- The Greens have experienced a surge in membership and polling numbers since Zack Polanski became leader in September.
- Several Labour councillors have defected to the Greens in recent weeks, citing disillusionment with the party’s direction under Keir Starmer.
- The Greens are hoping to make gains in local elections across England in May next year, particularly in places like Newcastle.
Introduction to Jamie Driscoll’s Defection
Jamie Driscoll, the former Labour metro mayor for North of Tyne, has joined the Greens, the party announced recently. This move comes two days after five Labour councillors in the north London borough of Brent defected to the Greens, citing their disillusionment with the party’s direction under Keir Starmer. Driscoll, a former Newcastle councillor who served as mayor from 2019 to 2024, left Labour in 2023 after the party blocked him from running again. He then stood as an independent, coming second to Labour’s Kim McGuinness. Driscoll’s decision to join the Greens is seen as a significant boost to the party, which has been experiencing a surge in membership and polling numbers since Zack Polanski became leader in September.
Driscoll’s Reasons for Joining the Greens
In a statement, Driscoll said he had joined the Greens "because I see an organisation that’s serious about running our country in the long-term interests of all our people". He expressed his frustration with the current state of British politics, saying "Britain’s a mess. British politics is a mess and it’s not the fault of immigrants. Food prices, energy prices, housing prices are all too high. Our economy isn’t working for workers, it isn’t working for small businesses. It doesn’t have to be like this." Driscoll’s comments reflect the growing dissatisfaction with the current political landscape and the desire for a new approach to politics. By joining the Greens, Driscoll is hoping to be part of a party that is committed to creating positive change and addressing the pressing issues facing the country.
The Green Surge
The Greens have experienced a significant surge in membership and polling numbers since Zack Polanski became leader in September. Polanski has brought a new energy to the party, with a focus on bold politics and a commitment to delivering real change to people’s lives. The party’s messaging, particularly on social media, has resonated with many voters who are looking for a fresh approach to politics. The Greens are hoping to build on this momentum in the upcoming local elections across England in May next year, particularly in places like Newcastle where Driscoll has joined the party. With four Greens already on Newcastle city council and 29 Labour councillors, the party is hoping to make significant gains and increase its presence in the city.
Defections from Labour
Driscoll’s defection is not an isolated incident, as several Labour councillors have defected to the Greens in recent weeks. The five Labour councillors in Brent who defected to the Greens cited their disillusionment with the party’s direction under Keir Starmer. Labour has responded by saying that these councillors had previously not been reselected to contest their wards next May. However, the defections are a significant blow to Labour, which is struggling to maintain its support among voters. The Greens, on the other hand, are seeing an influx of new members and supporters who are attracted to the party’s commitment to creating a more equal and sustainable society.
The Future of the Greens
The Greens are hoping to build on their current momentum and make significant gains in the upcoming local elections. With Driscoll’s defection, the party has gained a high-profile figure with a proven track record of delivering real change to people’s lives. Polanski has welcomed Driscoll to the party, saying "Jamie is a well-known political figure with a proven track record of delivering real change to people’s lives. People are looking for bold politics that offers hope rather than fear, and solutions rather than division. Newcastle Greens are growing fast because they’re delivering for their communities. It’s great to see Jamie Driscoll choosing to be part of a party that’s building real momentum from the ground up." As the party continues to grow and gain support, it will be interesting to see how it performs in the upcoming elections and whether it can translate its current momentum into significant gains.
