London Green Party is currently in the process of selecting its candidates for the European Parliamentary Elections in 2014.
The UK uses a “Closed Party List” system to elect its Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This means that the number of MEPs elected from each party is determined by the proportion of votes it receives in each constituency, with MEPs selected in order of place on the “Party List”.
This system means that the place on the “Party List” each candidate is given by its party is vital. If they are nearer the top they are more likely to get elected than if they are nearer the bottom.
Democracy is at the heart of the Green Party, and emphasising democratic participation and accountability is one of our 10 Core Values. Unlike other policitical parties, the Green Party in London selects candidates entirely based on the votes of members, with selection currently underway to determine the top 3 candidates for our Party List.
In contrast, both the Conservative and Labour Parties ensure that sitting MEPs are always placed at the top of their lists, no matter what the preference of party members. The process by which Conservative MEPs are selected and ranked is determined in the Conservative Party by “Tory HQ” – whereas in the London Green Party the selection process itself is also decided by members.
All Green Party members in London should have already received a booklet of candidates’ statements and a ballot paper. In addition, this week there will be an online hustings comprising of questions members have sent in – as well as a face to face hustings at Development House, Leonard Street this Friday 16th, at 7.30pm. This is a great way to quiz the candidates before the ballot deadline on the 29th November – so if you are a Green Party member in London please do come along!
Below are the 8 candidates who have been nominated for the Green Party List who are vying for your votes (in randomised order). We wish them all luck!
Candidates for the top 3 places on London’s Green Party List for 2014 European Elections
Caroline Allen
Caroline is a member of Islington Green Party, and has been in the Green Party for 7 years. She is currently on National Policy Committee and is London Policy Co-ordinator and National Spokesperson for Animal Issues. She has also been London’s Rep on the Green Party Regional Council and candidate for the 2012 London Assembly.
Blog http://carolineallengreenlondon.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Caroline4Europe
George Graham 
George is a member of Lambeth Green Party, and has been in the Green Party for over 10 years. He was previously Secretary and Liason Officer for London Federation of Green Parties, and was on National Policy Committee.
Haroon Saad
Haroon is a member of Watham Forest and Redbridge Green Party and has been a member of the Green Party for 2 and a half years. He is currently Membership Officer for the London Federation of Green Parties.
Website: www.haroonsaad.eu
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Haroon-Saad-Green-Party-London/327764207246269
Farid Bakht
Farid is a member of Ealing Green Party, and has been a member of the Green Party for 6 years. He was previously International Co-ordinator of the Green Party Executive and a list candidate for the London Assembly 2012.
Danny Bates
Danny is a member of Hackney Green Party and has been a member of the Green Party for 13 years. He is currently Political Education Officer for London and on National International Committee. He was previously London Policy Co-ordinator and Green Party Executive Policy Co-ordinator.
Website http://www.danny4europe.org/
Blog http://greendannyb.wordpress.com/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Danny4Europe
Shahrar Ali
Shahrar is a member of Brent Green Party, and has been a member of the Green Party for 10 years. He is currently on National International Committee, and is Membership Secretary and Treasurer for Brent Green Party (jobshare). He was previously London Policy and Local Party Support Co-ordinator and Co-Chair of the Green Party’s Disputes and Resolutions Committee.
Website http://shahrarali.net/
Blog http://shahrarali.net/blog/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/shahrar.ali
Jon Nott
Jon is a member of Islington Green Party and has been a member of the Green Party for a total of 12 years. He is currently London Election Agent and National Returning Officer. He was previously the Green Party Executive Publications Co-ordinator and National Chief Executive.
Website: http://www.jonnott.eu/
Jean Lambert
Jean is a member of Waltham Forest and Redbridge Green Party and has been a member of the Green Party for 35 years. She is currently London’s Green MEP. She was previously National Chair of Green Party Executive, Speaker of the Green Party, and London Secretary.
Website http://www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/GreenJeanMEP