The Green Party’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election, Chris Kennedy, has resigned less than 12 hours after his selection, following the emergence of troubling social media activity. The party confirmed his withdrawal, citing “personal and family reasons”, shortly after it was revealed he had shared a post questioning the legitimacy of a recent attack on Jewish ambulances in North London.
A Rapid Exit
Kennedy was announced as the Green Party’s candidate on Thursday morning, but by the afternoon, he had stepped down. His resignation followed scrutiny over an Instagram video in which he dismissed the arrest of two individuals connected to the ambulance attack as “total bullshit” and suggested it was a “false flag” operation. This statement drew considerable backlash, prompting his swift departure from the race.
The Times reported that Kennedy had also shared a post from an individual identifying as Hugh Anthony, a self-proclaimed “proud ethno-nationalist,” who expressed bewilderment at the official response to the Golders Green incident. Anthony questioned how the arson of three ambulances could lead to heightened security measures, including the deployment of additional police and an increase in the terror threat level, while the suspects were released on bail.
Party Response
In light of the controversy, a spokesperson for the Green Party stated, “These posts do not reflect the views of The Green Party. We have spoken to Chris about these posts, and he has now deleted them. He apologises for the offence caused.” The party reaffirmed its commitment to the Makerfield constituency, indicating that it would reopen nominations for a replacement candidate, underscoring the need for a genuine choice in the upcoming by-election.
The Green Party’s earlier statement had expressed understanding for Kennedy’s personal circumstances, wishing him well. It emphasised the importance of addressing the pressing issues facing voters, including the cost-of-living crisis and the need for equitable taxation of the wealthy.
Ongoing Challenges for the Greens
Kennedy’s resignation comes at a tumultuous time for the Green Party, as it grapples with accusations of antisemitism. Labour has announced plans to release a document alleging that 25 Green candidates in local elections hold “disturbing views” related to antisemitism and conspiracy theories. This scrutiny adds further pressure on the party, which has faced criticism for its handling of sensitive issues.
Zack Polanski, the Green Party leader and the only Jewish leader of a major UK political party, recently faced backlash himself after sharing a post that condemned police actions during an incident involving the Golders Green attacker. Although Polanski later apologised for his hasty posting, he asserted the necessity of holding law enforcement accountable.
Why it Matters
The swift resignation of Chris Kennedy highlights the fragile nature of political candidacy in an increasingly scrutinised environment. As the Green Party seeks to position itself as a viable alternative to traditional parties, it must navigate internal and external challenges carefully. The incident not only raises questions about the party’s vetting processes but also underscores the broader societal tensions regarding antisemitism and the impact of social media on political discourse. In a landscape where public perception can shift rapidly, maintaining integrity and addressing controversies head-on will be crucial for the Greens as they attempt to connect with voters in Makerfield and beyond.
