Over the past decade, I devoted myself to the Green Party’s mission—fighting climate change, championing renewable energy, and safeguarding vulnerable people. I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the UK’s most passionate environmentalists—many of whom served as local councillors—only to witness them summarily suspended or expelled for raising perfectly lawful concerns about child safeguarding. When that happened, I realised that the party I loved was abandoning both its principles and its people.
A Green Party Goodbye
Leaving the Green Party was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. Over ten years, I invested my time and skills in roles such as:
- GPEx Local Party Support
- Blyth Valley Coordinator
- North East Region Coordinator
- GPWomen Co-Chair
- Member of the International Committee
- Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (2015, 2017, 2019)
- Green MEP Candidate (2019)
These positions gave me insight into policy-making, grassroots organising, and fundraising—and I believed wholeheartedly in our shared values. Yet several colleagues and friends who raised child-safeguarding concerns—particularly around experimental treatments like puberty blockers—were instead met with internal tribunals and suspensions. Their removal has weakened our councils’ ability to tackle climate change at the local level, exactly when experienced leadership is most needed.
Safeguarding vs. Ideology
The Cass Review delivered landmark recommendations on child safeguarding in medical settings. The Government adopted the Cass Report in full1, acknowledging the urgent need for better oversight. Yet the Green Party quietly withdrew its own supporting statement, siding with lobby groups over vulnerable children2.
https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20250310143933/https://cass.independent-review.uk/home/publications/final-report/
“Our party’s refusal to acknowledge these safeguarding risks was the final straw. After a decade of building networks and resources, I cannot stay where female members’ safety is compromised.”
This wasn’t a minor policy tweak—it was a repudiation of our duty to protect the most vulnerable.
Institutional Sexism & Legal Action
The scale of this purge is astonishing. More than 30 Green Party members—many women—have been suspended, expelled, or forced to resign for lawfully raising Equality Act 2010 concerns3. In response, affected members launched the “Institutional Sexism: Legal Action Against GPEW” Crowdfunder campaign4, which states:
“We allege persistent discrimination against female members who raised safeguarding issues, costing individuals thousands in legal fees and emotional distress.”
Three litigations are already underway, with more likely to follow. The Party’s choice to use members’ donations for aggressive legal defence threatens its financial and moral fabric.
“Biological Reality”
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Kemi Badenoch sharply reminded MPs:
Her words underscore that no organisation—no matter how well-intentioned—can place ideology above statutory duty.
The Cost to Local Climate Action
Expelling experienced women councillors has not only harmed individuals—it’s emptied our councils of vital environmental expertise. We used to insist on a “Green in the room,” a committed advocate for People and Planet who guaranteed that every decision, however diverse the interests, at least considered sustainability, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Even if green motions lacked the votes to pass, they still commanded attention and debate.
Now, because of the Party’s shameful internal purge, we’ve lost those indispensable voices. At a moment when climate change has escalated from crisis to chaos, this abdication of responsibility is unconscionable. Without seasoned Green champions at the table, our councils risk making decisions blind to the environmental consequences that will shape all our futures.
Moving Forward
Despite my departure, my commitment to the environment, sustainability, and women’s rights remains unwavering. Right now that position could be described as ‘Eco-Feminist’. I believe the reputational damage to the Green Party is unrecoverable.
If you share my shock at these “dirty tricks” campaigns—where members’ dues fund damaging court battles—please support the extended Crowdfunder campaign:
Institutional Sexism: Legal Action Against GPEW
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/institutional-sexism-legal-action-against-gpew
Every contribution helps hold the Party to account and demand a sustainable and lawful green movement.
If you support environmentalism either as a current or former member of the Green Party and believe women’s sex-based rights are a material reality, I invite you to sign ther Green Women’s Declaration:
https://greenwomensdeclaration.uk/
Local Elections 1 May 25
If you are a local resident and are interested in setting up a community growing group, recycling hub or residents association, please send me a messge cllr@DawnFurness.com
On Thursday 1 May 2025, remember that real sustainability depends on both environmental protections and making the most of our existing resources. Vote for leaders who follow evidence, uphold the law, and empower every voice.
Footnotes
- Department of Health, Cass Review Adoption, 2024. ↩
- “Green Party Withdrew Statement on Cass Review,” PoliticsHome, 2025. https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/green-party-withdrew-statement-cass-review ↩
- “Suspended, expelled, resigned,” Gender Critical Greens, 2025. https://gcgreens.uk/suspended-expelled-resigned/ ↩
- “Institutional Sexism: Legal Action Against GPEW,” Crowdfunder. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/institutional-sexism-legal-action-against-gpew ↩
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