Former leader warns green party must address internal risks from hard left

Former green party leader Adrian Ramsay has warned that the organisation must reform its internal democracy to prevent a potential takeover by hard left elements. Speaking in a recent interview, Ramsay expressed concern that certain new members might be more suited to organizations like the Socialist Workers Party or Your Party rather than the environmental movement.

Ramsay pointed out that a small fraction of individuals are utilizing divisive tactics to shape the political agenda of the green party. He noted that internal flaws allow tiny groups to exert an excessive amount of influence, highlighting that an extremely small percentage of members backed a controversial conference motion regarding Zionism.

Internal reforms are urgently needed to protect the green party from factional takeover.

While welcoming overall membership growth, Ramsay stressed the necessity of returning the focus to core missions centered on climate, nature, and the cost of living. He clarified that he has no intention of leaving the party or calling for the current leader to step down, but emphasized that the controversial conference motion should be formally challenged and reviewed before the permitted two-year cycle concludes.

Representing a grassroots perspective, a spokesperson for Greens Organise defended the current leadership, noting that a massive majority had previously rejected Ramsay's vision and that substantial membership growth had accompanied recent electoral successes under Zack Polanski.

Why it matters

This internal debate shapes the future direction and strategic priorities of the green party, influencing how political movements manage factional disputes and grassroots policy-making.