Former Brighton Kemptown MP joins Green Party
He's urging others to follow his lead.
Former Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle has announced he is joining the Green Party, saying his former party has "left behind millions of people who want hope and change."
Mr Russell-Moyle previously represented Brighton Kemptown in Parliament between 2017 and 2024. He did not stand for re-election last year following his suspension from Labour due to what he described as a "vexatious and politically motivated complaint."
In a statement issued by the Green Party, Mr Russell-Moyle explained his decision to defect, praising the Greens for offering a vision of hope and progress.
"My old party has left behind millions of people who want hope and want to see change in their lives, their communities and the world around them," he said.
"In the Greens, I see a party that is offering that. In the Greens, I see a party I have worked with for years, and I am making the jump to join them today. I urge others to do so too."
Green Party leader Zack Polanski welcomed Mr Russell-Moyle to the party and criticised Labour for "abandoning" its members.
"Lloyd will bring a huge amount to the Green Party," Mr Polanski said.
"His story is one that is all too familiar; abandoned in the interest of power and profit over people and principles.
"Lloyd and tens of thousands like him have not left the Labour party; the Labour party has left them.
"Today the Green Party has over 150,000 members and is polling second to Reform.
"The Greens are the home of progressive politics, and we're making hope normal again."
Mr Russell-Moyle’s move is seen as another boost for the Green Party’s growing membership.