Zoe Marlow with other Green Party activists

Manchester Green Party has chosen Zoe Marlow to stand as its candidate in the upcoming Woodhouse Park by-election. The by-election has been triggered by the resignation of Green councillor Anastasia Wiest.

In a resignation statement, Wiest said “I am passionate about everything I have stood up for in the council chamber, and will continue to fight for all these things, in Manchester and elsewhere. However, I now feel my passion and energy will be better utilised working outside of this deeply flawed forum.”

Wiest was elected in Woodhouse Park in May 2023 and became Green group leader on the council in 2024.

The by-election is expected to take place early this autumn.

Speaking on her selection, Marlow said: “I’m a single parent living with a disability and was a young carer. I used to believe I couldn’t make change happen, but now I am doing my bit to make other lives better.

“Becoming a Green Party councillor would help me speak up even louder for people in our community who feel they are no longer heard.

“I want to support hardworking families of all backgrounds and help provide a safe, clean and fair future for everyone.”

The Green Party have held all three council seats in Woodhouse Park since 2023.

Woodhouse Park sits at the southern tip of Manchester, next to Manchester Airport, and is one of the city’s most deprived areas.

“Seeing Woodhouse Park’s Green councillors working tirelessly with our community to make it safer, greener and fairer inspired me to become a Green Party member,” Marlowe said, adding: “Out of all the parties, it’s the Green Party who are trying to achieve the things I truly believe in, so I’m proud to have been selected to stand for election.”