Natalie Bennett

Nominations for the new Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales will open in less than two weeks, on the 1st of June.

Natalie Bennett announced last Sunday her decision not to re-stand for the leadership again –  immediately sparking widespread speculation in the party and among the media as to who will run for next leader.

Potential candidates have also given signals they are thinking of running – including current Deputy Leaders Amelia Womack and Shahrar Ali.

Nominations for the elections open on 1st June 2016 and close on 30th June – giving a month for potential candidates to come forward.

The campaign period will run from 1st July until 24 July, at which point the one-month balloting period begins. The new Leadership team will be unveiled at the Green Party’s Autumn Conference.

Elections for the Deputy Leadership posts and Green Party Executive (GPEx) will happen alongside the leadership ballot – including for the chair, an influential role at the helm of the party that could be the ideal position for a former leader…

A Green Party spokesperson commented:

“The Green Party’s membership and supporters are the lifeblood of the Party. Members are at the heart of all of the Party’s decision-making from Conference and beyond and these are their elections, elections in which they will decide who comprises the Leadership team for the next two years.”

Speaking on her decision not to re-stand, Natalie Bennett said:

“It’s been a privilege and an honour to have the title ‘leader of the Green Party’, but every member of the Green Party is a leader, helping to lead the way towards a society in which we live within our environmental limits while ensuring no one fears hunger or want.”

We look forward to official announcements over the next couple of weeks. Keep an eye on Bright Green for updates.