Greens refuse Polanski’s request to postpone conference ahead of byelection

The Green party’s ruling executive committee has refused a request to postpone its imminent annual conference so that the party could concentrate on the Holborn and St Pancras byelection campaign, according to the Guardian.

Party officials said the formal request to delay the conference came from staffers who were concerned that holding the event a week before the byelection would dilute the party’s resources. However, the Guardian understands that it was the Green party leader, Zack Polanski, who wanted the postponement to happen.

Polanski is standing in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection, contesting the London seat previously held by the prime minister, Keir Starmer.

According to the report, Polanski wanted the party to focus its efforts on the campaign rather than staging the annual conference so close to polling day. The executive committee, however, voted against the plan, meaning the conference is expected to proceed as originally scheduled.

The Guardian said its report was based on an exclusive account of internal party discussions. The Green party has not issued a public statement on the matter.