Two More Lewisham Councillors Quit Labour for Green Party
In a significant political shift, two Lewisham councillors have resigned from the Labour Party and joined the Green Party. Councillors Tauseef Anwar and Rudi Schmidt announced their defections over the weekend, marking the latest in a series of departures from Labour to the Greens in the borough.
Expanding Green Presence in Lewisham
The defections bring the Lewisham Green Group to four councillors, all of whom were originally elected as Labour representatives. This follows the earlier defections of Councillors Hau-Yu Tam and Liam Shrivastava in 2025, who also left Labour for the Greens. The Lewisham Green Party now stands as one of the largest Green Party groups in the country, boasting approximately 3,000 members.
A spokesperson for Lewisham Labour expressed disappointment at the councillors' decisions, stating: "We are disappointed that Cllr Schmidt and Cllr Anwar have chosen to leave Lewisham Labour and join the Green Party. Residents elected them as Lewisham Labour councillors on a Lewisham Labour manifesto, and it is Lewisham Labour that continues to deliver for Lewisham."
Councillors Cite Policy Disagreements
Councillor Rudi Schmidt, who represents Evelyn ward, explained his decision by saying he could "no longer represent a party that has stopped aligning with my values." He criticized the Labour government for "continued austerity, welfare cuts affecting disabled people, and its complicity on the genocide in Gaza." Schmidt emphasized that the Greens offer an alternative approach to addressing structural inequality and building a fairer economy.
Councillor Tauseef Anwar, who has served Crofton Park ward for eight years, pointed to Labour leader Keir Starmer's stance on Gaza as a key factor in his defection. "My decision to leave Labour did not start today. It began when Keir Starmer justified Israel cutting power and water to civilians in Gaza," Anwar stated. He described the Green Party as "the only party I believe is now offering a genuine, consistent progressive voice."
Political Implications and Future Plans
The defections occur against a backdrop of increasing Green Party momentum in London. Over the past few months, more than 50 councillors nationwide have defected from other parties to the Greens, including four in neighbouring Southwark since November 2025.
Councillor Schmidt intends to stand as a Green Party candidate for Evelyn ward in the upcoming local elections. He previously served as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for two years and was recently a cabinet adviser. In contrast, Councillor Anwar will complete his term as councillor for Crofton Park but will not stand in the May elections. Anwar has served as Civic Mayor and Speaker for four years during his tenure.
Councillor Liam Shrivastava, the Green Mayoral candidate for Lewisham, welcomed the new defections, stating: "The Green wave continues. I am absolutely delighted to welcome Cllr Anwar and Cllr Schmidt to the Green Party. Their decision to leave behind the managed decline of Labour to join the Greens shows the people of Lewisham that we have the vision, credibility and commitment to make real change."
The Lewisham Labour spokesperson reiterated the party's focus on local priorities, saying: "Our Lewisham Labour Mayor, Cabinet and councillors remain focused on the priorities that matter to residents and on delivering the commitments we were elected to carry out."
