The Green Party is investigating over 30 council candidates for alleged anti-Semitism, according to revelations from the Daily Mail. This figure undermines party assertions that only a 'handful' of those standing in tomorrow's local elections had made hateful comments and that all such cases had been 'dealt with'.
Fast-Tracked Internal Probes
The party leadership has been forced to expedite dozens of internal inquiries following a series of 'vile' social media posts by candidates. Campaigners suggest this is 'just the tip of the iceberg' and accuse party leader Zack Polanski of ignoring 'open Jew hate and Hamas love' among members.
Exposed Comments
Earlier reports highlighted Green candidates who referred to Israelis and Jews as 'cockroaches', blamed them for the October 7 and 9/11 attacks, and described a terrorist who stabbed two Jews to death in 2016 as a 'martyr'. Two female candidates in London were arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred after allegedly posting that ramming a synagogue full of children was 'revenge' rather than anti-Semitism, and sharing a picture of a Hamas terrorist with the slogan 'resistance is freedom'.
Political Reactions
Former Green leader Caroline Lucas called the comments 'totally unacceptable' and demanded immediate action, stating there is 'no place for anti-Semitism or any hate speech in the party'. Labour produced a dossier of posts by 25 Green candidates, describing 'harrowing anti-Semitism, dangerous conspiracy theories, and appalling comments supporting Hamas'. Sir Keir Starmer branded anti-Semitism a 'crisis' and said the government is fast-tracking legislation to address these threats.
Internal Concerns
A party source revealed that early members recognize the situation has escalated and action is necessary. Normally, complaints take months through the disciplinary committee, but an accelerated process has been introduced, conducted by elected members of the Green's National Council. Some investigated candidates have received 'no-fault suspensions'. However, breaches have occurred, including attendance at a Greens For Palestine event where deputy leader Mothin Ali encouraged legal action against the party over candidate suspensions.
Leadership Under Fire
Criticism has been directed at Mr Polanski for tolerating anti-Semitic and Hamas-sympathizing posts. He has liked social media posts accusing the Prime Minister of being on the payroll of powerful Jewish people. Lord Pickles accused the Green leadership of cynically exploiting the Gaza conflict for political gain, spreading anti-Semitism deeper into society. Reform Leader Nigel Farage warned that the Greens will lead to 'sectarian hell' where no Jew is safe.
Official Response
A Green Party spokesman stated that of over 4,500 candidates, the vast majority are commendable. Where examples misalign with party values, they are being investigated, with some candidates already suspended. The party is strengthening vetting procedures to prevent inappropriate candidates. Candidates under investigation have been asked not to campaign.
