New leader to make case for immigration, more investment in public services and a wealth tax as Green party membership hits record high Good morning. The Green party starts its conference today, with its membership up to a record high (over 80,000) following the election of “eco-populist” Zack Polanski as leader. But the Greens struggle for coverage at the best of times, and these aren’t the best of times. The news today will be dominated by the repurcussions from the Manchester synagogue attack. We are covering the synagogue terror attack on a separate live blog and that will be the place to go to updates. When Farage says jump, Labour asks ‘how high’. But the Greens won’t dance to the tune of a Trump-loving, NHS-dismantling corporate stooge. Let’s say it loud and clear: migrants and refugees are not the problem; they are part of what makes Britain great. The real threat to our high streets, to our homes, to our NHS, comes from decades of austerity, privatisation and an economic system that rigs the rules for billionaires. At every opportunity, our message will be clear: the Green party will bring down your bills, cut the cost of living and protect our NHS … We will tax the wealthiest, end rip-off Britain, and invest in public services that work for everyone … If Reform can rocket through the polls with a politics of despair, then it’s time for the Green Party to do the same thing with a politics of hope. Continue reading...