The Green Party is investigating around 30 candidates over alleged antisemitic comments, prompting former leader Caroline Lucas to demand immediate action. Lucas, who led the party for six years, described the statements as “totally unacceptable” and called for swift disciplinary measures.
Among those under scrutiny are Sabine Mairey and Saiqa Ali, Green candidates for Lambeth council who were arrested on suspicion of stirring up racial hatred. Screenshots show Ali posted an image of an armed man with a Hamas headband, while Mairey shared a post suggesting synagogue ramming was “revenge”. Both have been suspended.
Other cases include Brian Capaloff, a candidate in Waltham Forest, investigated for using an anonymous X account to post incendiary comments about a stabbing of two Jewish men. Joe Belcher, a candidate in Walsall, was suspended after suggesting Hamas might have been paid by Israel for the 7 October 2023 attacks.
Zack Polanski, the party’s co-leader in England and Wales, condemned the comments, saying as a Jewish person they “disgust me”. He rejected claims the Greens have a particular problem, insisting the party is acting through its disciplinary process. Labour has accused the Greens of moving too slowly to suspend candidates.
A Green spokesperson said Lucas was right that there is no place for antisemitism, noting that only a small number of the 4,500-plus candidates are involved. The party is strengthening vetting procedures to prevent future issues.
