News / Politics
Green councillor behind Bristol’s climate emergency declaration to stand for party leader
Carla Denyer made history by successfully proposing Bristol City Council become the first in the UK to declare a climate emergency in 2018.
She went on to stand as a parliamentary candidate in Bristol West in the 2019 General Election, coming in second and almost doubling the party’s share of the vote in preparation for standing again in the hope of becoming our city’s first Green MP.
Now, the Clifton Down councillor is running for co-leader of the Green Party on a ticket of putting compassion back into politics and ensuring the party is a “welcoming and inclusive place” that “stands together for human rights and the environment”.
is needed now More than ever
The former wind farm engineer has also spoken up for trans rights – an issue that has recently caused divisions in the party. Kathryn Bristow, a former Eastville councillor candidate is suing the party for discrimination and Green Party co-leader Siân Berry is due to stand down this autumn over concerns about trans rights.
Denyer will stand along with Norwich-based Adrian Ramsay, who was previously deputy leader of the party under the leadership of Caroline Lucas.
Emphasising the need for inclusivity within the party, Denyer says: “Politics desperately needs an overhaul. People are sick and tired of Westminster, with MPs shouting and heckling at each other. We can do politics differently.
“That’s why we’re standing on a platform of putting compassion back into politics. Compassion for each other, our communities and the natural world. And that starts with the Green Party itself.
“We want to make sure that the party is a welcoming and inclusive place that makes the most of everyone’s talents, respects lived experience and stands together for human rights and the environment.”
Carla will stand along with Norwich-based Adrian Ramsay for the party co-leader position – photo courtesy of The Green Party
In May this year, a ‘Green surge’ saw the party more than double the number of councillor seats to 24 in Bristol, making it the joint largest party in the city – on a par with Labour – and the biggest Green councillor group in the country.
Adding her support, Lily Fitzgibbon, a Green councillor for Bishopston and Ashley Down, said: “I am super excited to see a candidacy focused on compassion and credibility. After the 2020 local elections we know that Greens can win.
“I believe they will prioritise winning elections across the country and help people realise that we are an electable force. More importantly, they will keep compassion and social justice at the heart of their environmentalism. Until we are unified on this front, the time-sensitive work to tackle climate change cannot work effectively. Both candidates have a track record as changemakers that the party needs.”
Nominations for the party leadership contest close on Tuesday. Cleo Lake, a former Green councillor, Bristol lord mayor and police & crime commissioner candidate has previously tweeted that she is undecided whether or not to stand for a party leadership position.
Main photo @JonCraig_Photos
Read more: Bristol declares climate emergency and pledges to become carbon neutral by 2030
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