Green councillor joins Labour after Zionism motion

A Green councillor in Leicester has defected to Labour, saying she no longer recognised her former party.

Liz Sahu, who has represented Castle ward on Leicester City Council since 2023, said recent developments within the Green Party, including its support for a motion declaring "Zionism is racism", had led her to leave.

Sahu's switch leaves the Greens with three councillors on the Labour-run authority.

The BBC has contacted the Green Party for comment but has not had a response. A Green Party councillor said Sahu had been "unhappy" since she was deselected as a party candidate for the next city council elections in May 2027.

The motion backed by Green members at its party conference said Zionism was an ideology supporting "an ethnonationalist Jewish state in historic Palestine to the exclusion and/or domination of the non-Jewish population".

It has been criticised by Jewish groups, as well as some Green MPs and opposition political parties.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey both described the motion as antisemitic.

"I joined the Green Party as I was dedicated to tackling inequality and improving the environment," Sahu said.

"But I no longer recognise the party I joined.

"It has drastically changed, and allowing a dangerous and divisive motion to become party policy was the final straw for me."

Sahu said Labour offered "a home for me and my values".

Leicester's Labour mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said Sahu was "a hard-working ward councillor" who had been dedicated to supporting residents in Castle.

He said: "Her focus on building a better future for everyone in this city aligns with this Labour group's priorities and she will be a valuable addition to the team."

Green Party city councillor Patrick Kitterick, who also represents the Castle ward, told the BBC he was disappointed with Sahu's defection.

"I'm aware Liz has been unhappy since she was not selected as a Green Party candidate in for Castle ward in the upcoming Leicester City Council elections next year," he said.

"I am disappointed, but I will continue to work with her in the run-up to the next election for the good of the people of Castle ward."

The BBC understands Sahu will be going through Labour's selection process for the city council elections.

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