Zack Polanski and Caroline Lucas, current and former leaders of the Green Party, have warned that the party must listen to the concerns of Reform UK voters to effectively confront inequality. Speaking at a Compass conference in east London, Polanski emphasised the need to distinguish between Nigel Farage's party leadership and its voters, whom he described as 'left behind' by austerity and successive governments.
Polanski argued that many Reform supporters are victims of the cost of living crisis and decades of political neglect. 'The problem is not someone fleeing for their lives on a small boat, but multimillionaires flying by private jet,' he said, urging the Greens to reach out with a message of inequality. Lucas echoed this, stating that Reform voters' concerns are 'perfectly legitimate' and that their desperation stems from broken promises by mainstream parties.
Lucas also addressed the upcoming Makerfield by-election, where Labour's Andy Burnham faces a strong Reform challenge. She expressed relief that the Greens had not 'thrown the kitchen sink' at the contest, but stopped short of urging their candidate to withdraw. She highlighted the by-election's significance for electoral reform, which the Greens support.
Recent polling suggests Reform UK could secure 27% of the vote in a general election, potentially making Farage prime minister. The Greens' call for understanding comes as the party seeks to broaden its appeal amid rising voter disillusionment with traditional politics.
