A new Green leader

I decided to reprint Carolin Lucas' article from the Guardian in full, because it contradicts so much of what we expect in British politics. In my lifetime I've grown accustomed to Prime Ministers and party leaders desperately cling on  to political power like a shipwrecked passenger hangs onto a piece of wood as it floats by. As Tony Benn always said in his speeches "no one gives up power voluntarily", it seemed like the first law of politics. However the shock resignation of Caroline Lucas disproved my theory.

Since becoming the Green Party's first leader she has propelled the Party into uncharted waters. Winning its first seat in the House of Commons, in spite of the First Past the Post electoral system, but perhaps as important she has ensured that the Greens represent the most coherent opposition to the cuts and austerity agenda of the Con Dem government.

Her leadership has ensured that the Greens have been firmly rooted on the left of British politics, combining the centrality of ethe environment with the need for social justice. In my opinion correctly analysing that one is impossible without the other.

The work/life balance of being a MP , Part Leader and main media spokesperson would challenge any politician, and her decision to focus on her role as Brighton Pavilion's MP is one that commands the utmost respect.

In the weeks ahead the Green Party must find a new leader, they are going to be big boots to fill.