Greens split over how hard to challenge Burnham in Makerfield byelection

"The Greens are locked in an internal debate about how hard to challenge Andy Burnham in the Makerfield byelection, with some worried about allowing Reform UK to win and others wanting the party to go all out. While characterised by insiders as very civilised, the discussion has highlighted existing differences between Greens who believe concessions can be won from Labour through informal cooperation and others including some newer leftwing activists who argue it achieves little."

"While it is ultimately up to the local party whether to field someone in the byelection, which is expected to take place next month, a candidate appears set to be announced on Wednesday. Zack Polanski, the leader of the Greens in England and Wales, and those around him, will need to decide the amount of resources to devote to the campaign. In February's Gorton and Denton byelection, the Greens overcame a 13,000-plus Labour majority to defeat Reform UK and push Labour into third place, mobilising thousands of activists to flood the constituency with canvassers, posters and leaflets."

"One senior Green said: The debate is what the campaign would look like. There is a world of difference between turning up to the hustings with a bit of leafleting and what we saw in Gorton and Denton. Throwing everything at it would be up to the national party. Makerfield is also in Greater Manchester, but very different to Gorton and Denton, and seemingly much less favourable to the Greens, who finished fifth in the constituency in the 2024 general election."

"Caroline Lucas, the former Green MP who was the party's first MP, has led calls for the party not to overly impede a return to Westminster for Burnham. Lucas said on social media: There are times when it's more important to put country before party. This is one of them. Burnham's longstanding commitment to a fairer voting system could transform our democracy and counter the dire threat of a Reform UK government."

Greens are divided over how hard to challenge Andy Burnham in the Makerfield byelection, with some fearing that allowing Reform UK to win and others wanting a full effort. The disagreement centers on whether informal cooperation with Labour can win concessions or whether such an approach achieves little. The local party will decide whether to field a candidate, with a candidate expected to be announced on Wednesday. Greens leaders must determine how many resources to devote to the campaign. In the February Gorton and Denton byelection, the Greens overcame a large Labour majority to defeat Reform UK by mobilising thousands of activists. Makerfield is seen as less favorable, with the Greens finishing fifth in 2024. Caroline Lucas urges not to overly impede Burnham’s return to Westminster, citing the importance of putting country before party and pointing to Burnham’s commitment to a fairer voting system as a safeguard against Reform UK.

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