Green Party leader Zack Polanski visited Swindon yesterday to welcome three councillors who have left the Labour Party to join the Greens — forming the first-ever Green Party group on Swindon Borough Council.
The three councillors — Ian Edwards, Tom Butcher, and Repi Begum — will now sit as a Green group, creating a new voice of opposition to the Labour administration.
Their move marks a milestone moment for the Green Party in Swindon, reflecting the party’s growing national momentum under Polanski’s leadership.
Since his election as party leader in September, membership in Swindon has doubled and increased by more than 60% nationally, as the Greens attract new supporters motivated by social justice, equality, and environmental action.
A local Green Party spokesperson said:
“More and more people are feeling let down by the old parties, and unhappy with the politics of fear and division of the far right. The Green Party is offering a straight-talking message of hope that people like.”
Cllrs Tom Butcher and Repi Begum issued a joint statement explaining their decision to move to the Greens:
“It’s a really exciting time to be joining the Green Party and forming a Green group on Swindon Borough Council. When we have been elected on our values and beliefs in a just and equal world, it’s important that we can represent that authentically through a party which best aligns with those values. Whilst our values and beliefs have not changed, unfortunately Labour has moved away from those values. Under Zack Polanski we recognise the bold politics of the Green Party as being most aligned with what we stand for.”
Zack Polanski praised the councillors’ decision and said their defection reflects a wider shift across the UK:
“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Ian, Tom, and Repi to the Green Party, creating the first-ever Green group on Swindon Borough Council. Swindon is a political bellwether, and what we’re seeing here is happening across the country: people who believed in Labour’s promise of change now see a party that’s abandoned its principles. They’re turning to the Greens because we’re the only party offering real hope, real courage, and real solutions for the future.”
The move is expected to have political significance beyond Swindon, as the town’s two parliamentary constituencies are seen as key national bellwethers. Analysts suggest that growing Green representation here could signal a wider shift in political sentiment ahead of the next general election.
