Green Party Figures Urge Zack Polanski to Consider Standing Down in Makerfield By-Election

Senior figures in the Green Party have asked their candidate Zack Polanski to consider standing down in the Makerfield by-election if Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham pledges support for proportional representation. A joint statement signed by councillors, activists and former party leaders states that contesting the seat raises concerns.

Signatories include Jonathan Bartley, party leader from 2016 to 2018, and Rupert Read, a former councillor and author. "Greens have always put their values and the climate and nature first," the statement declares. " The letter argues that Burnham's candidacy offers a "unique opportunity" to achieve voting-system reform.

It states that the seat is not winnable for the Greens and will be a contest between Labour and Reform.

Polling conducted for The Times places the Greens in fifth place, behind the Liberal Democrats, Restore Britain, Reform and Labour. Burnham is using the by-election as a platform for a return to Westminster. The signatories condition their support on a commitment from Burnham.

"If Burnham will commit to backing proportional representation for the next general Labour election manifesto so that it is in place by the election after next, then on this unique occasion we don't think Greens should run a full campaign against him," the letter states.

Rupert Read said a Burnham victory could unseat Starmer, bring electoral reform and help stop Reform. He added that Greens should not "move heaven and earth to stop [Burnham]" if the mayor reinforces his commitment to voting reform. Chris Kennedy, initially selected as the Green candidate, withdrew 12 hours after selection citing personal and family reasons.

His departure followed enquiries from The Times about social media posts describing an attack on Jewish ambulances in north London as a "false flag" operation. A Green Party spokesperson said the party respects internal views and that candidate selection remains a matter for local members.

The spokesperson added that the party is not aware Burnham has authority to make any deal and that Makerfield voters deserve a choice. Darren Jones, chief secretary to the prime minister, told the BBC there is "a lot of fantasy politics going on right now inside the Labour Party" but described Burnham as "a brilliant politician" and confirmed he would campaign for him.