The Green Party needs to be recognised as a significant part of UK politics following a surge in membership numbers, according to a prospective parliamentary candidate (PPC).
The party gained 2000 new members on Wednesday alone and Tanya Williams, a Green Party PPC in Twickenham, believes this is a clear indication voters are attracted to the party.
Ms Williams also argues this shows the policies of the Green Party reflect a growing mind set among the public.
She explained: “We feel that we’re a major party and we represent a significant body of opinion.”
This increase also means that they have overtaken UKIP to become the fourth biggest party in terms of membership.
UKIP is often regarded as the only alternative to Labour, Conservatives and the Lib Dems but these figures suggest the Green Party is too.
Ms Williams revealed she was delighted to see that the party had gained support and overtaken UKIP’s membership numbers.
“It’s fantastic news that we have overtaken UKIP – we’re gaining a lot of members and we’re absolutely thrilled,” she said.
“It’s fantastic news that we have overtaken UKIP – we’re gaining a lot of members and we’re absolutely thrilled.”
Debate is currently ongoing about who should be involved in the upcoming televised leadership debates.
David Cameron has refused to take part in a debate that doesn’t include the Greens but does include UKIP and the Liberal Democrats.
This has led to criticism with Labour accusing him of ‘chickening out’ of a debate which involves going up against UKIP’s Nigel Farage.
However, Cameron hit back during this week’s PMQs branding Ed Miliband the ‘chicken’ for not wanting a multi-party televised debate involving the Greens.
Ms Williams believes Green Party leader Natalie Bennett should be involved as the party offers voters another alternative.
She said: “The main parties are trumpeting the same policies, but the Green Party has a very different agenda which we’d like to promote around social justice.”
“The main parties are trumpeting the same policies, but the Green Party has a very different agenda which we’d like to promote around social justice.”
“I’m thrilled that we have had a lot of publicity recently and it was debated in parliament.
“It’s wonderful news that David Cameron is supporting the fact that the Green Party should be involved.”
Ofcom seem unwilling to change their stance regarding the televised debate, however Al Jazeera are said to be interested in making a bid for a leadership debate that would include the Greens.
Ms Williams said: “There are other avenues if they don’t offer it but obviously we’d prefer the main platform.”
But it’s not just nationally that the Greens appear to be making great strides.
The Lambeth Green Party gained a record 43 new members in 24 hours, meaning they trebled their membership in a year.
Lambeth Green Party Councillor Scott Ainslie said: “In Lambeth more and more former residents on estates are telling us that they won’t be voting Labour ever again because of the terrible treatment they have received by Lambeth Council.
“ Whether it is the poor repairs they have experienced, the feeling that Labour don’t listen, or Labour’s plans to demolish their homes, the story is the same.
“They say that the Green Party is now the only party that stands up for them.”
A kickstarter campaign for the Streatham Green Party only needed a day to reach its £1,000 goal.
Green Party Parliamentary candidate for Streatham Jonathan Bartley said: “The growth of the Green Party this past year shows that people want a real alternative to the bigger parties.”
