Green Party co-leader Jonathan Bartley to step down at the end of July – sparking leadership race | UK News

Green Party co-leader Jonathan Bartley has announced he will step down at the end of July.

Mr Bartley, the party’s oldest leader, said he was “extremely proud” that the Green vegetables have accomplished over the past few years and that he hopes to play a “full-fledged, albeit different role” after stepping aside.

His co-leader Sian Berry will continue to act as interim leader of the party while a leadership election takes place.

Bartley said the Greens have become a “major electoral force, vying to be a third of the country“under his leadership since 2016.

“I have always believed that leadership is about empowering and encouraging others and this is something that I have done throughout my tenure as a co-leader,” he said Monday in a statement.

“I now think the time has come to step down so that new leaders can be elected.

“It has been a huge privilege to have been the longest-serving leader of the party – first with Caroline Lucas for two years, then with Sian Berry for three years, Amelia Womack completing the leadership team throughout.

“During this time, so many talented people have emerged.

“It’s also increasingly clear that we may have a general election sooner than expected and that a new management team needs time to get used to the role, which makes it a good time to step down now and allow the party to choose new leaders. “

Mr Bartley has led the Greens alongside Ms Berry since 2018 and previously served as co-leader for two years with Greens MP Caroline Lucas.

Responding to the news, co-leader Ms. Berry said, “Jonathan has been a wonderful colleague. Hard worker, thoughtful, kind, collegial and full of insight and ideas.

“Every member should applaud the huge …