News / Politics
Leaving Labour to go Green
Among candidates standing for the Green Party in the upcoming local elections are several who were previously Labour members.
They include both former Labour council candidates and one former Labour councillor.
Disillusionment, factionalism and lack of support are just some of the reasons given for crossing the floor from Jai Breitnauer, Sibusiso Tshabalala, Shona Jemphrey and Jo Sergeant.
is needed now More than ever
Jai Breitnauer
Jai Breitnauer is one of the Green Party candidates for Filwood ward, alongside Danica Priest. She is also the parliamentary candidate for Bristol South. In 2021, she was Labour’s candidate for Bishopsworth ward – photo: Green Party
What made you get involved with politics to begin with?
“As a parent of two disabled children I have always been socially and politically aware. I first got involved with politics when I was living in New Zealand, where I joined the NZ Labour Party. I was impressed by how well it worked there, and when we moved back to the UK I felt it made sense to join Labour over here as well. I was proud to be selected as a Labour candidate in the 2021 local election.”
What changed?
“Unfortunately, I soon regretted standing as a Labour candidate as I received barely any support from the local party. In fact, as candidates we were explicitly told that we couldn’t talk about certain important issues in the area, like protecting green spaces, because it would conflict with Bristol Labour’s development plans.
“In Bristol, the mayoral system was shutting out people who disagreed with them and factionalism was deeply ingrained. I was so angry that Labour were letting the people of Bristol down that when I lost, I felt relief.
“In October 2021, I made the decision to leave Labour and join the Green Party. I had met so many Greens on the campaign trail, and their message of social justice and environmental justice really spoke to me. I know now that I have now found my political home.”
What are you looking forward to doing if you are elected?
“If elected, I want to prioritise justice for disabled people and carers. I’m the trustee of Bristol-based charity Incredible Kids and have volunteered for Bristol Autism Support. The Labour administration’s secrecy and subterfuge over the special educational needs and disabilities Safety Valve policy is damaging trust in the council and hurting children and families in need. We deserve better.”
Sibusiso Tshabalala
Sibusiso Tshabalala is standing in Central ward alongside incumbent Green councillor Ani Stafford-Townsend. He stood for Labour in Ashley ward in 2021 – photo: Green Party
What attracted you to Labour initially and why did you leave them for the Greens?
“I was drawn to the Labour Party due to its diversity and its support from my community. However, over time it became evident that Labour’s direction was rigidly dictated from the top, leaving little room for community input. This top-down approach felt increasingly alienating to me.
“This and my interest in neighbourhood planning led me to a new home with the Greens. In Hotwells, local Green councillors actively supported my projects, a stark contrast to my previous reception from Labour. Their collaborative spirit and the tangible support were instrumental in advancing our local initiatives, and motivated me to engage more deeply with the Green Party.”
How does their approach to decision making differ with Labour?
“Joining the Greens was a refreshing experience marked by a welcoming, collaborative atmosphere. Meetings were casual yet focused, with everyone contributing to drafting messages, designing materials and planning strategy. This collective effort not only enriched my understanding of electoral processes but also demonstrated the party’s commitment to unity, shared goals and collaboration.
What are you looking forward to doing if you are elected?
“I have already been hard at work in my communities, working on the inequality-focused Muted Communities Report, volunteering as a restorative justice facilitator supporting children, and helping deliver the Black History Month project for the last six years. I look forward to continuing my work to empower local residents as the second Green councillor for Central ward.”
Shona Jemphrey
Shona Jemphrey is standing in Lawrence Hill ward alongside incumbent Green councillor Yassin Mohamud, She stood as the Labour candidate here in 2021 – photo: Green Party
What initially attracted you to the Labour Party?
“I joined Labour as I was inspired by the potential that Jeremy Corbyn represented as party leader. Seeing the impacts of austerity, particularly in my role as a social worker, and the worsening climate crisis was what pushed me into politics fully, and at the time Labour was representing a way to deal with those issues. Sadly, no longer.”
What changed?
“I became more and more disillusioned with Labour under Keir Starmer and my tipping point was when he discouraged Labour MPs from attending picket lines. Solidarity with trade unions and workers’ rights is a red line for me, and I was appalled at Labour’s betrayal on something that historically was a backbone of the party.
“At the same time, I could see with my own eyes the hard work and solidarity with workers of Green Party members and councillors here in Bristol, as well as their dedication and integrity. I could also see that the Greens got the connection between the social, economic and environmental crises we face, which Starmer’s Labour clearly doesn’t.”
What has your experience of the Bristol Green Party been like?
“Getting to know the people of Bristol Green Party has been far from the factionalism and undermining I experienced as a proud left-winger in Labour! It makes a big difference to feel that you can trust those on your team. I have also been proud to stand with the whole of the Green Party consistently calling for a ceasefire in the face of the horrific bombardment and blockade of Gaza, something that Labour has failed on.
“I am standing in Lawrence Hill. It is a wonderful area with amazing, caring, passionate people, but it has been consistently let down by Bristol Labour. The current Labour councillor here has an appalling attendance record. Our current Green councillor, Yassin Mohamud, is incredibly hard-working, but he is one man trying to serve 19,000 residents while she has been missing in action.
“Lawrence Hill deserves better. If elected, I will provide Yassin with extra support, using my professional experience in housing, education and benefits.”
Jo Sergeant
Jo Sergeant was Labour councillor for Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston ward in 2021 before leaving the Labour Party shortly before the local elections. She is standing to regain her former seat for the Green Party – photo: Green Party
What initially attracted you to the Labour party, and why did you decide to leave?
“I joined the Labour Party in 2015, deciding I needed to step up and join the fight against Tory austerity. I’d heard too many accounts of people dying due to benefit sanctions and I knew I had to try and stop that happening. I left Labour in 2021 after almost five years as a councillor.
“I felt disillusioned with both the mayor-led council group and Keir Starmer’s leadership. I no longer had faith that Labour would end the austerity that was killing so many people. It felt natural for me to join the Greens as they were clearly a more democratic and more progressive alternative.”
Why are you choosing to stand again?
“I worked with very dedicated local Greens to try and get me re-elected in Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston in 2021, missing out by only 16 votes! I’m giving it another shot this May and hope to join a Green administration in Bristol to help right the wrongs of Tory austerity and Labour mismanagement of our city.”
Main photos: Green Party
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