The Green Party, known for its strong opposition to gas-guzzling 4x4s and diesel vehicles, has vowed to ban them sooner than any other party. However, one of its candidates in the upcoming local elections has been caught driving a large Mercedes diesel SUV in south London, sparking accusations of hypocrisy.
Candidate's Car Choice Under Fire
Adam Kamenetzky, 45, a local council candidate in Wandsworth, has owned a 2.1L Mercedes M-Class diesel SUV for eight years. Rather than hiding this fact, he has been a prominent figure in the 'dieselgate' legal saga at the High Court, even featuring in an article in The Guardian last year, though his Green Party membership was not mentioned.
Kamenetzky, who describes himself as 'passionate' about the environment, uses the vehicle daily as a family car in London. He told The Guardian: 'I want the alleged deception of these manufacturers to be brought into the open and for them to be held to account.'
Green Party's Stance on Vehicles
The Green Party aims to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars within three years and remove all such vehicles from UK roads. The party encourages a shift to electric vehicles, walking, cycling, and public transport to lower emissions and improve public health.
Kamenetzky works as an activist researcher for a company educating organisations about racial inequality. He is seeking election to Wandsworth Council in the May 7 local elections. When approached by the Daily Mail at his £1.4 million home in Streatham Park, he declined to comment on his car.
Local Reactions
A local resident said: 'He has said he can't afford a new car so he has kept it. He's been busy with a case at the High Court. The car is used every day. He may have been able to sell and get a cheaper electric car but he has not done that and I'm not sure why.'
The Tooting Conservative Association accused Kamenetzky and the Green Party of hypocrisy, stating: 'No wonder the Greens have got Labour panicking in Furzedown and Tooting Broadway. It shows true dedication to be able to compete on hypocrisy.'
Campaign Promises
In campaign material, Kamenetzky says he is campaigning for a 'more compassionate and inclusive approach' to local politics. He added: 'I'm passionate about health, the environment, racial injustice, and the creative arts.' He aims to 'make hope normal' if elected to represent Furzedown Ward, where the average house price exceeds £800,000.
The Dieselgate Scandal
The 'dieselgate scandal' involves 1.6 million diesel car owners taking manufacturers to court, claiming they were misled about their cars' environmental impact. Numerous manufacturers installed illegal software to cheat on emissions tests. A guilty verdict could force carmakers to pay billions in compensation, but this may take years.
Despite Kamenetzky claiming he was mis-sold his 2013 Mercedes ML250, which he has owned since 2018, he continues to drive it. Mercedes was implicated in dieselgate in 2016.
Personal Life
In his spare time, Kamenetzky performs as a violinist in the 'Basement Orchestra', often dressing up and wearing face paint. He lives with his wife Lizzie, a former chef and author of books including those accompanying the Great British Bake Off, and their twin boys.
Green Party Controversies
The Green Party is fielding dozens of candidates in Wandsworth ahead of the May 7 elections to oust Labour. The council, once called 'favourite' by Margaret Thatcher, was Tory-run for 44 years until 2022.
Green Party candidates across the UK have sparked controversies. In Camden, candidate Aziz Rahman Hakimi triggered outrage for blaming 'Zionists' for 9/11 and suggesting the arson attack on Jewish community ambulances was a 'false flag' operation. Croydon Green candidate Mark Adderley shared posts comparing Israel to Nazi Germany. Tope Olawoyin, a candidate in Havering, withdrew after suggesting that individuals arrested for the Golders Green arson were likely Jewish.
