In the latest of Bright Green’s coverage of the Green Party of England and Wales’ leadership election, we’ve interviewed the Deputy Leadership candidates.Kat Boettge 2

Voting is now open (check your inbox for an email from Electoral Reform Services if you haven’t voted yet!) and closes on the 25th August.

Daniella Radice did not respond by the extended deadline, but if/when she responds we will publish her answers.

(Full Q&As with the leadership candidates are here)

Here’s Deputy Leadership candidate Katharina Boettge’s answers:

1. Why are you running?

I wanted to offer a non- London and Southern centric candidate to the membership. Furthermore as a woman, single parent and European migrant I thought my candidacy would widen diversity.
Secondly I have been very worried about the current state of affairs within the UK, Europe and word wide, I wanted to stand to call for unity and to offer hope.

2. Could you give some info on your background? (E.g. education, class, employment etc.)

I am 39 years old woman, single parent, self employed as a psychotherapist (working mainly with NHS clients), living in Nottingham, but originally from Munich. I do not really want to identify myself belonging to a class. I have a BSc and Masters.

3. What are your top priorities as Deputy Leader if elected?

As stated above we need unity and hope; therefore I would focus on a political alliance on the basis on prioritising electoral reform. Additionally we should return to our fundamental stance to move away from growth for environmental, social and economic justice.

4. How do you see the Greens relating to the Labour Party and the wider left?

It is essential that the left should unite. However, I respect our bottom up core values, we must therefore ensure that members and local parties are in agreement. If that has been achieved, we then can discuss standing one candidate for each constituency from cross party alliance.

5. How should the party respond to Brexit? What, if anything, should we be calling for now?

First of all we should use this momentum and campaign on the UK’s democratic deficit as this was central in the referendum campaign. Regarding Brexit, we should respect its outcome, whilst challenging our corrupt media. Once we know what relationship the UK will be having with the EU (e.g. like Norway as the government wants to remain in the single market), and second referendum would give the public a real vote. Considering that people voted against the free movement and the “red tape”, both of which would continue, if we stay in the single market, I believe the public then would vote to remain as a full member.

6. What separates you from the other candidates?

As I stated above, I believe I offer some diversity (from the Midlands, single mother, European migrant) compared to some others.

7. If elected, would this be your full-time job?

Probably; as I have shown as the lead Euro candidate, I fully commit to any role. I would, however, not take the full time pay. I would want to continue to work for a few hours a week as a psychotherapist to ensure I do not lose my accreditation.

8. Any final thoughts or comments // Closing statement

I would focus on our fundamental and unique stance that environmental justice is only possible with social and economic justice.

Times are challenging, we need different politics away from tribalism, I would call for unity, cooperation, positive politics and reform.