Caroline Lucas elected new Green Party leader in ‘job share’ bid
Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas has been re-elected to the role, in a ‘job share’ with party activist Jonathan Bartley.
The MP for Brighton Pavillion is the lone Green Member of Parliament, and previously led the party from 2008 until 2012.
After Green leader Natalie Bennett confirmed she would step down earlier this year, Ms Lucas put her name forward again, on a joint platform with Green work and pensions spokesperson Mr Bartley.
The pair were elected at Green Party conference today with 87 percent of the vote in the first round. Five other candidates failed to get more than 7% of the vote.
A long-time advocate of LGBT issues, Ms Lucas was named Member of the Year at the 2014 PinkNews Awards for her continued focus on equality issues – from sex and relationship education to the gay blood ban.
She was presented the award by the Speaker, John Bercow, who praised her cross-party work and dedication to the issues.
Ms Lucas serves as a vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Global LGBT Rights.
In a speech at the Green Party conference, the pair set out their plans for the party.
They said: “Imagine a new plan that will meet our obligations to future generations. A plan that will create jobs in every part of the country.
“Imagine local communities, empowered to take control of their own energy futures. Imagine Britain as a world leader in renewable technology.
“Our Green Guarantee means a new industrial revolution that will work for everyone.”
They said: “Every vote needs to count. So we are resolute in wanting to explore the potential for progressive alliances with other parties that will deliver fair votes.
“We are the Party of ideas and this is a big one. So we need to have a proper conversation, starting here at conference and continuing in our local parties, in our communities.”
