The Green surge continues. Five councillors announced their defection from Labour to the Greens this evening, in the biggest move between the two parties since the election of Zack Polanski earlier this year. London is a big target for the party; it is hoping to make gains there at next year’s May elections. Speaking at an event in Brent this evening, Polanski said: “What we’re witnessing in Brent mirrors what we are hearing across the country on doorsteps and in polls”. He added: “Good Labour councillors can see Labour has abandoned any sense of progressive politics.” This is the latest of a slew of defections from Labour to the Greens at councils across London. On 5 December, Sam Foster, the former chair of the Southwark Housing Scrutiny Commission defected from Labour to the Greens. This followed three Labour councillors in Barking and Dagenham leaving to join the Green Party in September. At next year’s elections the Greens have set their sights set on taking the Hackney Mayoralty, as well as decreasing Labour’s hold on several strong-hold councils across the capital.
Published: December 15, 2025 5:00 pm
Source: New Statesman — Read original