UK Green Party Leader Loses By-Election After Party Adopts 'Zionism is Racism' Stance

The leader of the UK's Green Party lost a parliamentary by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, London, just days after his party adopted a resolution declaring "Zionism is racism" and calling for a single Palestinian state.

The controversial resolution, which sparked internal turmoil, led to the resignation of a senior party member and drew criticism from UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Despite the loss, the Green Party saw a significant increase in support in the constituency, gaining approximately 22 percentage points compared to the 2024 general election, while Labour's majority narrowed considerably.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer from Parliament. For Labour, the victory helps maintain a stronghold in London amidst declining public support. The Green Party's recent growth has been attributed to dissatisfaction with the government's policies, particularly concerning Israel and the war in Gaza. In May's local elections, the party had successfully gained seats previously held by Labour.

However, the vote exposed deep divisions, with four out of five Green MPs opposing the resolution. Jewish activists' attempts to amend the resolution failed, and some Jewish members reportedly expressed doubts about their continued involvement in the party. The deputy leader of the Green Party in Wales resigned, and European Green parties and major British Jewish organizations condemned the decision.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham criticized the resolution as "extremely poor judgment" that undermines the two-state solution. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the decision as a "stain on the history of the United Kingdom," accusing the Green Party of legitimizing armed struggle and calling for Israel's elimination.