The Green Party is internally debating how strongly to contest the upcoming Makerfield byelection, where Labour's Andy Burnham is expected to stand. Some members fear a full campaign could inadvertently help Reform UK, while others insist the party must offer voters a Green choice.
The discussion, described as 'very civilised' by insiders, highlights existing tensions between Greens who favour informal cooperation with Labour to extract concessions, and those—including newer left-wing activists—who argue such an approach achieves little. A candidate is expected to be announced on Wednesday, though the local party will ultimately decide whether to field one.
Zack Polanski, leader of the Greens in England and Wales, will help determine the level of resources devoted to the campaign. In February's Gorton and Denton byelection, the Greens mounted an intensive effort, mobilising thousands of activists to defeat Reform UK and push Labour into third place, despite a Labour majority of over 13,000.
However, Makerfield is seen as much less favourable for the Greens, who finished fifth there in the 2024 general election. Former Green MP Caroline Lucas has urged the party not to impede Burnham's return to Westminster, citing his commitment to proportional representation. 'There are times when it's more important to put country before party,' she said.
Others disagree vehemently. Veteran Green activist Jenny Jones, a member of the House of Lords, argued: 'We are a political party that owes it to voters to give them the chance to vote Green. This is a mess of Labour's own making.' Some members also note that Burnham has not yet offered a programme aligned with Green priorities, and that he played a role in an 'anti-Green campaign' in Gorton and Denton.
The decision on resource allocation will ultimately rest with the party's executive committee, where Polanski's view is likely to be crucial. One senior Green said: 'There are some people who see the big threat to the country being a Reform government, and the idea that there is little sense winning lots of Green seats if Nigel Farage is then in charge.'
