Sian Berry and Jonathan Bartley are co-leaders of the Green Party (Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

When Jonathan Bartley and I were elected joint leaders of the Green Party in 2016, the idea of job sharing in politics was radical.

But over the past two years, we’ve shown the power of working together – and today I’m so glad to see that spirit of partnership continue at the top of our party, as members voted for Jonathan and Sian Berry to be the new Green Party co-leaders.

I’m proud that we’ll have two true grassroots campaigners leading our fight for the political revolution this country so badly needs.

Jonathan is a local councillor in Lambeth who’s spent the last two years travelling the country to stop dirty and dangerous fracking in our countryside and unapologetically defending the rights of refugees and migrants, who other politicians blame for their own failings.




Sian, a Camden councillor and London Assembly Member, is a prolific campaigner on housing – particularly renters’ rights – and has long worked for a more affordable and sustainable transport system.

Together, I’ve no doubt they’ll inspire our members across England and Wales to build on this year’s election success and get Greens into every council chamber.

But, unlike certain former cabinet ministers, they’re not afraid to put their bodies where their principles are. They understand the urgency of the climate crisis and, as well as taking the government to task, they’ll stand side-by-side with protesters blocking airport expansion.

Jonathan and Sian understand life beyond the Westminster bubble. When it comes to Brexit, they’ll campaign for a People’s Vote to give the public a final say on our collective future. They’ll boldly speak out in support of the wonderful gift that is free movement across Europe, and call out those politicians who pander to racism.

And, most importantly, they’ll set out policies designed to address the very real reasons people voted for Brexit in 2016 – from austerity policies that have crippled our NHS to the housing crisis that leaves so many insecure.

At the heart of fixing the grotesque inequalities entrenched by decades of individualistic, profit-driven government policies is the world of work.

The Green Party has long taken the prospect of automation and artificial intelligence seriously – putting forward bold policies to ensure technology improves our lives.

Jonathan and Sian will take those policies forward, encouraging the Government to take concrete steps towards a four day working week – allowing everyone more time off to care for loved ones and pursue their passions.

While the chancellor sets out another dreary budget, no doubt laden with subsidies for fossil fuels and public sector cuts, they’ll champion plans to end a culture that sees people slaving away at jobs for little material or emotional reward.

As I step back from co-leadership, I’ll dedicate more time to bringing these bright Green ideas before parliament and fighting the prime minister’s disastrous Brexit.

I’ll place even more emphasis on my constituency – doing all I can to solve people’s problems in Brighton and stand up for local issues in Westminster. And I’ll support our new leaders as they build a Green movement across the country.



Jonathan and Sian are a breath of fresh air from the infighting, the empty promises and the vapid centrism of British politics.

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