These statements are not in conflict. Our beliefs will never change: that both causes are vital to us as a party committed to fighting racism in all forms.

We recognise the wide range of views amongst residents on the ‘Zionism is Racism’ motion. This includes members of our own party. This includes members of our Jewish community who may feel hurt, concerned, or uncertain. And this includes those who are supportive of the motion.

We are committed to representing all residents of Brighton & Hove, regardless of their background or their views on these or any other issues. To our Jewish members, colleagues, and neighbours: you belong here, your contributions are valued, and your voices matter.

Brighton & Hove Greens are absolutely clear: our commitment to Palestinian liberation goes hand in hand with defending Jewish people’s safety, dignity and belonging in our movement and in our city. We reject antisemitism, and always will. We reject any attempts to interrogate people’s politics purely because of their synagogue, family, or identity. And we also reject the conflation of anti-zionism with antisemitism.

Above all, we are united in our values: to listen and to act with compassion and respect. To oppose discrimination and stand with all marginalised communities. And to fight for a better future for people and planet.

Brighton & Hove Green Party, our twelve Green councillors, and Siân Berry MP

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Brighton & Hove Green Party has selected community campaigner Mark Strong as the Green Party candidate for the Queen’s Park by-election. 

Queen’s Park residents will be heading to the polls for the fourth time in as many years, after the third resignation from a Labour councillor since the 2023 local elections. 

Mark Strong, an active travel consultant, brings an extensive history of local action and community representation. He has consistently stood up for Queen’s Park and the wider area – with experience already of holding the council to account as a scrutiny committee co-optee and member of the council’s Transport Partnership. Until July 2026, he had served for many years as the elected Transport and Public Realm Representative for Brighton & Hove Community Works.

The Green Party is hopeful that residents will place their trust in Mark to represent them on Brighton & Hove City Council. This latest by-election follows last September’s win in Queen’s Park which saw one of the biggest swings in the council’s history and, more recently, the election of Nadia Barton Ahmad to represent the people of Goldsmid just six weeks ago.

With this summer expected to be the hottest on record, Mark’s history as a climate activist will resonate with residents who are understandably worried about the impact of climate change on our green spaces, especially Queen’s Park and Valley Gardens. Additionally, Mark has recently been campaigning alongside Cllr Marina Lademacher and local residents for a safer crossing of Freshfield Road. After many years of Green pressure, the council has now started to design the crossing. Greens say they will continue to press to make sure it’s finally built.

This by-election will be the 8th since Labour took control of the council, all of which have been caused by councillors elected for Labour resigning well before completing their terms of office. 

Following the announcement, Mark Strong, Green Party candidate for Queen’s Park said:
“I’m so proud to be selected as the Green candidate for Queen’s Park. It’s the third by-election here since 2023, and residents deserve better than a revolving door of Labour representatives. I’m ready to step up and fight hard for the community where I live and work, building on my existing experience as a trusted advocate for our communities. People in Queen’s Park, and across the city, don’t have to put up with being ignored – I’m committed to always standing up for the climate, for community groups and small businesses and above all for the residents of Queen’s Park.”

Councillor Steve Davis, Green Group Convenor & Leader of the Opposition says:
“Mark is a community champion in every sense of the term, and already has a wealth of experience holding Labour to account. I know that he’ll stand up for residents who’ve been failed by Labour. We scored a huge victory last time around in Queen’s Park and, given the hard work and effort that Cllr Marina Lademacher has shown, we’d love residents to entrust Mark as their representative.”

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