Sian Berry defends decision to run for re-election in London

The former Green Party leader was selected as her party’s candidate for Brighton Pavilion at the next general election following the decision of Caroline Lucas to stand down as an MP.

However, Ms Berry, who serves as a councillor in Camden and is also a member of the London Assembly, sparked some criticism of her commitment to Brighton after announcing she will run for re-election for her assembly seat when Londoners go to the polls in May.

While the date of the London Assembly election is fixed for May 2 next year, the next general election could be held as late as January 2025.

Labour councillor Jacob Taylor, deputy leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “It’s hard to believe that Sian Berry is actively running for election in both London and Brighton at the same time.

“When you run for election, you spend as much time as possible knocking on doors, immersing yourself in local issues and having a two-way conversation with voters.

“How on earth can you do that in two different cities at the same time?

“You have to wonder whether the Greens have given up in Brighton and Sian Berry is running in London as her insurance policy.”

Cllr Jacob Taylor accused the Green Party of 'giving up in Brighton'

Ms Berry slammed Cllr Taylor’s remarks, which she said “feel like a very personal attack”.

She said: “No one knows when the general election will be. It may be very soon and come before the London elections or it could be as much as eight months afterwards or even more.

“Whatever happens about the timing of the election, I am making a home in Brighton and will continue to meet and listen to residents all across the constituency while working hard as an elected representative on behalf of millions of citizens, demonstrating my ability to hold to account the current mayor, the next mayor and the next government.

“In this work, I will continue to win better policies in the way I have since 2016, right up until when the next general election is held.

“I hope that residents will be able to see what I can achieve in my current work for Londoners and that they will want that energy and commitment from their next MP.”

Sian Berry with current Green MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

Ms Berry compared her circumstances to that of current London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who stood for the position after being re-elected as the MP for Tooting in 2015. Khan stood down as an MP after subsequently being elected mayor in the following year.

She also said that the “many residents” she has met in Brighton have been “really lovely and very pleased to meet me”.

“Many of the people I am meeting are aware of the issues I am championing in my current work, including housing, youth services, public transport and the climate emergency and are happy I am bringing the same expertise, passion and work ethic to Brighton,” Ms Berry said.

Ms Berry previously told The Argus she would step down as a member of the London Assembly if elected as an MP at the general election.

Labour is expected to attempt to win the constituency for the first time since 2005.

Although the party has not selected its candidate for the next election, comedian Eddie Izzard has announced a bid to contest the seat.