A Green Party candidate in the Godalming & Ash Parliamentary election in July has stated his intention to challenge his expulsion from the party. Steve Williams, who is also a senior councillor at Waverley Borough Council, was expelled for allegedly supporting tactical voting aimed at defeating Conservative incumbent Jeremy Hunt during the general election.

Background on the Expulsion

Source: https://guildford-dragon.com/green-party-candidate-to-challenge-expulsion-decision-on-tactical-voting-tactic/

Williams, along with two other Green Party members, Claire Weightman, a Godalming Town councillor, and a member from Woking, has been banned from the party until 2029. The decision comes amid accusations that they encouraged Green Party supporters to vote tactically in favor of the Liberal Democrat candidate, Paul Follows, who is also the leader of Waverley Borough Council.

Tactical voting had been previously endorsed by the Green Party during the 2019 General Election under the slogan "Unite to Reform." Earlier this year, the local branch of the Green Party deliberated on their strategy for the general election, eventually deciding that Williams should withdraw his candidature in Godalming & Ash to support the Lib Dems against Jeremy Hunt. This decision was communicated to Green Party headquarters in England and Wales.

The Sequence of Events

A few days before the close of nominations, Williams formally withdrew his candidacy, believing that no disciplinary action would follow due to the party's historical stance on tactical voting. However, the next day he learned that another Green parliamentary candidate had been appointed to replace him. Ruby Tucker, the new candidate, received 1,243 votes, while Jeremy Hunt retained his seat with a margin of just 891 votes over the Lib Dems, suggesting that those Green votes might have been decisive.

Official Responses and Reactions

A spokesperson for the Green Party commented: "Green party members voted to stand a full slate of candidates at its final conference before the general election, which helped us secure a record number of votes and four MPs. In Godalming and Ash, a last-minute discussion among some members didn’t override the wider national membership decision."

Steve Williams expressed his disappointment, stating, "Both Clare Weightman and I were disappointed that our membership of the Green Party had been withdrawn. Tactical voting and tactical campaigning are direct consequences of a flawed First Past the Post electoral system where the proportion of seats for a party in parliament do not automatically reflect the proportion of the popular vote received."

Implications and Future Prospects

Williams remains an active councillor but is currently classified as Independent, aligning with Labour at Waverley Borough Council. He hopes to challenge the expulsion and potentially return to the Green Party in future elections. His colleague Claire Weightman also plans to appeal the decision.

Cllr Jane Austin, a member of Jeremy Hunt’s campaign team and the leader of WBC’s Conservative opposition, remarked, "‘Aligned Independent’ — that’s an oxymoron if I ever heard it. The electorate should have the opportunity to vote for the party whose policy they support. Cllr Williams’ actions suggest a deliberate attempt to deprive the Green Party of representation."

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Steve Williams' expulsion highlights the ongoing debate over tactical voting within smaller political parties and the impact it may have on larger electoral outcomes. As Williams and other expelled members prepare their challenges, the broader implications for the Green Party's policies and future election strategies remain uncertain.