Several Labour MPs are reportedly in discussions about defecting to the Green Party, but are seeking guarantees of electoral support from their prospective new party, according to sources. Zack Polanski, leader of the Greens in England and Wales, has publicly acknowledged conversations with Labour MPs about switching sides, as the Greens experience a surge in membership and have overtaken Labour in some recent opinion polls.
Senior Green figures have confirmed that talks are ongoing, but none of the MPs are close to committing. One source noted that Labour MPs want assurances they would be reselected for their seats at the next general election and receive party backing. However, the Greens' decentralised structure makes such guarantees challenging.
The identities of the MPs involved have not been disclosed, but they are understood to be left-leaning backbenchers facing potential electoral threats from the Greens in their constituencies. Labour whips do not consider any of them an imminent defection risk.
Discontent with Keir Starmer's leadership is a driving factor, with some MPs attracted to the Greens' perceived radicalism. However, hopes that Starmer might be replaced by a more appealing leader are deterring some from defecting. Meanwhile, Green officials downplay the importance of defections, citing the party's recent electoral successes, including winning the Gorton and Denton byelection and pushing Labour into third place.
