Brighton and Hove Green Party members today selected Sian Berry to become the next Green MP for Brighton Pavilion.
Berry was selected as the new Brighton Pavilion candidate after winning 71% of first preference votes.
Berry is a former co-leader and principal speaker of the Green Party of England and Wales, and has been their candidate for Mayor of London three times, coming third in both 2016 and 2021.
Berry said:
“It’s an enormous responsibility to continue the work of Caroline Lucas. Brighton Pavilion needs a Green MP in Parliament representing all the people across this wonderful constituency, and I can promise every voter in Brighton Pavilion that I will work every moment between now and the General Election to win their trust and support.”
Zoe John, Deputy Chair of Brighton and Hove Green Party, said:
“I am delighted to announce that Sian Berry won the support of members from a fantastic line up of high-quality candidates. Green Party members have chosen Sian to contest the next General Election and to build on the foundations laid by Caroline Lucas as the first Green MP for Brighton Pavilion.
“Brighton and Hove, like the rest of the country, is faced with the accelerating climate and nature emergencies, a cost of living scandal driven by increasing inequalities, and a broken political system.
“Between now and the General Election, Brighton and Hove Green Party members will be listening to voters and focussing on the issues that matter to them – demonstrating why a Green voice in Brighton Pavilion will not only be a powerful local voice, but will also keep the city on the national political map.”
Caroline Lucas MP said:
“It has been the honour of my life to represent the people of Brighton Pavilion in Parliament for the past 13 years, and to see my majority increase at each of the past four elections.
“I am delighted that Sian has been elected by party members. There couldn’t be a more passionate and committed person to pick up the baton and continue this city’s tradition of doing politics differently, and standing up for what matters.
“I am certain that Sian will be a powerful Green voice in Parliament, holding to account whichever party forms the next Government, and championing the concerns of constituents.
“This country desperately needs more Green MPs. This is a critical decade for tackling the climate and nature emergencies, supporting people through a cost of living scandal, and campaigning for social justice and human rights. I can’t wait to see what Sian will do!”
Berry has been elected to the London Assembly since 2016 and has been a councillor for the Highgate ward in Camden since 2014. In her work she focuses on preserving and securing new council housing and renters’ rights, making sure young people can thrive and promoting equality.
Berry worked mainly in the policy area of transport before joining the Assembly. She was a founder of the successful campaign group Alliance against Urban 4x4s in the early 2000s, and worked as a roads and sustainable transport campaigner for the charity Campaign for Better Transport for five years. She is also the author of a number of books on green issues.