THE GENERAL election candidate for the Green party in Rugby has defected to the LibDems, accusing the former party of “near anti-male” attitudes and a “sickening” anti-democratic protest against the election result.
Terry White rejoined the LibDems – of whom he was a member until they entered a coalition government with the Conservatives in 2010 – due to “differences with the national Green Party”.
The 22-year-old has left his roles as co-ordinator of the local Greens and midlands regional co-ordinator of the party’s under-30 branch.
He said: “I believe in democracy and the fact that the Green Party protested about the fact the Conservatives won a mandate to govern the country is simply sickening. I don’t like the Conservatives as much as the next Green Party member but I also respect the process of an election.”
He added he was displeased at the party’s gender rules, claiming they meant it would be near impossible for a male to become its leader.
“As a liberal feminist I believe there are requirements needed to promote gender equality, but the way it works in the Greens is near anti-male as opposed to there being constructive feminist values in place,” he said.
“In the meantime my needs as an autistic in the party were being overlooked on a national level in the name of preventing a male to speak out.”
He said he was looking forward to picking up where he left off with the LibDems, and campaigning for the UK to remain in the European union.
Roy Sandison, acting co-ordinator of the Rugby Green Party, said they were surprised at Mr White’s objections to the party wanting a better gender balance.
He said: “Terry stood for election as our local co-ordinator only two weeks ago without any objection over how the Green Party nominates our local or general election candidates.
“We’re proud of having a female leader since 2008 and the most women general election candidates in both 2010 and 2015 across the entire UK.
“The Green Party is and will remain a champion of the rights and positive contribution of disabled members, including having a national officer responsible for this work on our executive committee, and a very active disability group. We note at no time has Terry formally raised his concerns with the local party who selected him as our General Election candidate.
“Notwithstanding these points, Rugby Green Party wishes Terry White well and notes that he references disagreements with the national party and not the local party – who Terry readily admits have always been supportive to him.”
