In a significant shift for British politics, the Green Party is riding a wave of unprecedented growth, with its membership doubling from 70,000 to over 140,000 since Zack Polanski took over as leader. The party now boasts four Members of Parliament, including Siân Berry, who won the Brighton Pavilion seat last year, ending Caroline Lucas's 14-year tenure as the party's sole voice in Westminster.
A Collective Voice in Parliament
Speaking from her constituency office in Brighton, Siân Berry emphasised the transformative power of having a quartet of Green MPs. "Caroline was a lone voice in parliament for so long," Berry noted. "But there are four of us now, so we can share responsibilities." Each MP shadows six government departments, ensuring a wide range of issues—from animal welfare and refugee rights to taxes on extreme wealth—are consistently raised where they might otherwise be ignored.
Berry's own portfolio is vast, covering crime and policing, justice, transport, work and pensions, culture, media and sport, and democratic standards. "We absolutely have to be ready," she insists. "There are some issues where if a Green isn't in the chamber asking a question, that question won't be asked." With the party polling as high as 17%, Berry feels they are now representing a substantial portion of the electorate.
Building on a Legacy of Growth
The foundation for this breakthrough was laid years earlier. Berry credits former leader Natalie Bennett, who from 2012 pushed the party to talk about more than the environment, addressing austerity and workers' rights. A membership surge in 2014-15 funded crucial staff and training. This strategic work culminated in the 2023 elections, where 6.7% of the national vote translated into four parliamentary seats.
Berry's own victory in Brighton was especially poignant after previous unsuccessful runs for London Mayor and Parliament. "Finally crossing that line with more than half the votes in the constituency was proof that positive campaigning can win big," she reflected.
Confronting the Rise of the Right with Community Spirit
Berry expressed deep concern about the political space enjoyed by Reform UK, attributing its appeal to a public feeling "tired, broke and worn down." However, she sees a clear distinction in the Greens' approach. "Reform is not asking people to join its party so they can work together to build community spirit and support each other," she argued. "But that is almost 100% of the Green message."
She praised leader Zack Polanski for making "great strides" in promoting the party's values of hope and community building. Berry also criticised the Labour Party, suggesting its policies are being influenced by large housing developers and warning that the climate situation remains on a "knife-edge."
Despite the challenges, the mood is one of determined optimism. With a phenomenal leader in Zack Polanski and a dedicated team of MPs, the Greens are positioning themselves not just as an environmental party, but as a growing force for progressive, community-centred politics in the UK.
