Jeremy Corbyn has rejected the idea of an immediate electoral pact with the Green Party, stating he is “committed to a Labour cause and position”. The Labour leader’s comments come amid calls from some politicians, including Green MP Caroline Lucas, for a deal to unite the left-wing vote against the Conservatives at the next election.
One proposal would see the Greens stand down in marginal seats where Labour could defeat the Tories, with Labour reciprocating in constituencies where the Greens have a stronger chance. However, when questioned by the Brighton and Hove newspaper The Argus, Mr Corbyn indicated that cooperation with the Greens should remain focused on parliamentary activity rather than electoral pacts.
“At the moment no. What we are doing as a party committed to the Labour cause and position, in opposition in parliament in order to maximise votes against the government obviously we cooperate with other opposition parties,” he said. The Labour leader did not entirely rule out a future pact but stressed that current collaboration is limited to working together in the House of Commons.
Mr Corbyn made the remarks after addressing a large leadership rally in Brighton, where the local Labour Party has seen significant growth since his election. One recent meeting reportedly had to be held three times due to overwhelming attendance. Brighton has long been a left-wing stronghold and was the first UK constituency to elect a Green MP in 2010.
Caroline Lucas retained her Brighton Pavilion seat with an increased majority in 2015, while Labour holds the neighbouring Hove constituency and the Conservatives hold Brighton Kemptown. Some Labour figures, including Norwich MP Clive Lewis, have expressed support for a less tribal approach, with Lewis previously stating he would rather be “in government with Ms Lucas than attacking her”.
