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Climate Party
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The Climate Party is a minor green conservative political party in the United Kingdom.
Key Information
The party was founded in 2022 by Ed Gemmell, a councillor for Hazlemere in Buckinghamshire.[2][3] Gemmell describes the party as a "business-friendly and climate-serious alternative" to the Conservative Party.[3][4][5]
The party stood thirteen candidates in the 2024 general election, targeting Conservative-held marginal seats and MPs who 'obstruct climate action'.[3]
Ideology
[edit]The party's core focus is on tackling climate change and decarbonising the economy by 2030.[6] It describes itself as "100% focused on climate change".[7] Its policy proposals include abolishing all fossil fuel subsidies, implementing "polluter-pays policies" and investing in green technology.[8] It aims to lead the UK to economic revival and increased prosperity through a commitment to net zero by 2030, while restoring nature and decreasing pollution.[9]
Electoral history
[edit]The Climate Party contested the July 2023 Uxbridge and South Ruislip and Selby and Ainsty by-elections, with Gemmell running in Uxbridge and Luke Wellock in Selby.[10][11] Both candidates lost their deposits.[12][13]
The Climate Party fielded thirteen candidates in 2024 general election, with leader Ed Gemmell standing in Wycombe.[14] All Climate Party candidates lost their deposits, with only Gemmell reaching over one percent of the vote in his constituency.[15]
By-elections
[edit]2019–2024
[edit]| Constituency | Date | Candidate | Number of votes |
% of votes |
Position | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selby and Ainsty | 20 July 2023 | Luke Wellock | 39 | 0.1 | 13th of 13 | Labour | |
| Uxbridge and South Ruislip | 20 July 2023 | Ed Gemmell | 49 | 0.2 | 15th of 17 | Conservative | |
General elections
[edit]| Constituency | Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banbury | Chris Nevile | 242 | 0.5 |
| Bangor Aberconwy | Steve Marshall | 104 | 0.2 |
| Bromley and Biggin Hill | Karen Miller | 94 | 0.2 |
| Clacton | Craig Jamieson | 48 | 0.1 |
| Colchester | James Rolfe | 74 | 0.2 |
| Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme | Michael Longfellow | 146 | 0.4 |
| Exmouth and Exeter East | Mark Baldwin | 134 | 0.3 |
| Greenwich and Woolwich | Priyank Bakshi | 173 | 0.4 |
| Leeds North East | Stewart Hey | 91 | 0.2 |
| Mid Buckinghamshire | Wisdom Da Costa | 147 | 0.3 |
| Northampton South | Penelope Tollitt | 98 | 0.2 |
| Salisbury | Chris Harwood | 127 | 0.3 |
| Wycombe | Ed Gemmell | 489 | 1.1 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Aldridge, James (5 September 2022). "New political party launched in UK to challenge Conservatives over climate change". Reading Chronicle. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
- ^ "Councillor details - Councillor Ed Gemmell". buckinghamshire.moderngov.co.uk. 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
- ^ a b c Donald, Rachel (28 July 2022). "Centre-right Climate party launches to oust Tory MPs opposing climate action". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
- ^ McGlone, Conor (5 September 2022). "New Climate Party vows to 'take on' Truss at the next election". eandt.theiet.org. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
- ^ Pack, Mark (31 July 2022). "Two new political parties take a tilt at the Conservatives". Mark Pack. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
- ^ "The Tories have failed to "get climate done" – so I've launched a new centre-right party | Ed Gemmell". The Guardian. 7 August 2022. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
- ^ "The Climate Party". Twitter. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
- ^ Donald, Rachel (28 July 2022). "Centre-right Climate party launches to oust Tory MPs opposing climate action". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
- ^ "Our Blueprint". Climate Party. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
- ^ "Uxbridge by-election full candidate list revealed". BBC News. 23 June 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
- ^ "Selby and Ainsty by-election: 13 candidates announced". The Press. 24 June 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
- ^ "By-elections". www.northyorks.gov.uk. 25 February 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
- ^ "Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election 2023 results". Hillingdon Council. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
- ^ "'I can oust Steve Baker': Climate Party leader launches campaign to be MP for Wycombe". Bucks Free Press. 11 April 2024.
- ^ "UK General election 2024 Results". BBC. 4 July 2024.
External links
[edit]Climate Party
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and Launch (2022)
The Climate Party was established in 2022 by Ed Gemmell, a former British Army officer, city lawyer, serial entrepreneur, and councillor for Hazlemere in Buckinghamshire.[7][1] Gemmell, who had been elected as a Conservative councillor in May 2019 on a platform prioritizing climate action, founded the party amid growing frustration with the Conservative government's perceived inaction on climate commitments, particularly after the failure to fully implement policies promised under the "get Brexit done" agenda.[6][7] He positioned the Climate Party as a centre-right, pro-business vehicle to deliver aggressive decarbonization while preserving conservative principles and capitalizing on commercial opportunities in the global transition to a clean economy.[3][7] The party was formally registered with the Electoral Commission on 22 March 2022, under multiple descriptions including "Climate Party - Nature, Climate, Wellbeing," "Climate Party - 2030 Zero Carbon," and "Climate Party - Eco Economy."[8][7] This registration enabled the party to participate in elections as a distinct entity, separate from Gemmell's prior Conservative affiliation. Initial motivations centered on accelerating the UK's path to net zero emissions by 2030—earlier than the government's 2050 target—to mitigate climate risks and position Britain as a leader in green industries, drawing on Gemmell's recognition of the economic potential in climate solutions during his professional background in law and entrepreneurship.[6][7] The Climate Party launched publicly on 5 September 2022, coinciding with Liz Truss's accession to the premiership.[7] The launch announcement emphasized targeting over 100 Conservative-held seats where MPs had opposed stringent climate measures, offering voters a principled alternative that combined environmental urgency with business-friendly policies.[3][9] At inception, the party operated as a single-issue entity focused on climate leadership, with Gemmell serving as its leader and primary architect.[7]Early Activities and Expansion (2022–2024)
Following its founding in July 2022, the Climate Party concentrated on articulating a policy framework emphasizing accelerated decarbonization and economic opportunities in the clean energy sector. The party published a blueprint outlining targets such as achieving net zero emissions by 2030, restoring 30% of nature by 2030 and 50% by 2050, and positioning the UK to capture a share of the projected £10 trillion global climate services market through private-sector-led innovation.[10] This document framed the party's approach as pro-business and centre-right, critiquing the Conservative Party's delays on climate commitments while advocating for business-friendly measures like tax incentives for green investments.[6] In late 2022 and 2023, the party engaged in initial outreach and organizational buildup, recruiting a leadership team that included eco-entrepreneurs such as Wisdom Da Costa for policy development and Maria Goretti for operations, alongside volunteers to support campaign efforts.[1] Leader Ed Gemmell, a former Conservative councillor, conducted media appearances and wrote opinion pieces highlighting the party's intent to challenge up to 110 Conservative MPs perceived as obstructing climate action, aiming to appeal to disaffected Tory voters prioritizing environmental urgency without left-wing economic policies.[3] This period saw the party register formally and begin targeting marginal seats, though membership figures remained modest as a nascent entity focused on niche positioning rather than mass recruitment. By 2023–2024, early expansion efforts included testing viability through by-elections, with candidates fielded in Uxbridge and South Ruislip (July 2023), where the party announced Gemmell's candidacy to spotlight local environmental concerns like air quality, and Selby and Ainsty (also July 2023), yielding 39 votes (0.1% share) in the latter.[11][12] These outings served as platforms for refining messaging on integrating climate goals with conservative principles, such as opposing delays in net zero timelines, while building a cadre of candidates—expanding to 13 for the 2024 general election—targeting Conservative incumbents in vulnerable constituencies.[12] The party's activities emphasized advocacy over broad infrastructure, including critiques of major parties' climate records and calls for private-sector mobilization, amid limited media coverage reflective of its minor status.[3]Ideology and Policies
Environmental Stance and Climate Goals
The Climate Party advocates for achieving net zero carbon emissions across the UK economy by 2030, a target it proposes to enshrine in legislation, accelerating beyond the national statutory deadline of 2050.[4][10] This goal aligns with the party's blueprint, which emphasizes emissions reductions primarily in heating and lighting (40% of total), transport (40%), and secondary contributions from land use practices and industrial processes (10% each), supplemented by carbon-neutral synthetic fuels for sectors not amenable to electrification.[10] Energy policy centers on a rapid shift to renewables including solar, wind, and tidal power, alongside investments in research and development for complementary technologies such as carbon capture and battery storage.[10] Infrastructure upgrades for electric vehicles and smart grids are prioritized to facilitate this transition, with the private sector tasked to lead through tax incentives, support for small and medium enterprises in clean technologies, and export opportunities in a projected £10 trillion global climate services market.[10] Beyond emissions, the party commits to nature restoration, aiming to restore 30% of Britain's land and sea areas by 2030 and 50% by 2050, while doubling nature-rich habitats and protecting waterways from pollution.[10] It frames these environmental objectives as drivers of economic growth, citing research indicating up to 840,000 jobs in renewables, waste management, and related sectors, with green roles offering average salaries of £42,600—higher than the national median—and an annual green economy value of £71 billion, based on analyses adapted from 2050 pathways.[13][14] The approach draws on reports from the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit and Confederation of British Industry, which highlight UK strengths in offshore wind but were originally scoped for longer-term net zero timelines rather than 2030 acceleration.[13][15]Economic and Business-Oriented Approach
The Climate Party positions itself as a pro-business entity, advocating for a "clean industrial revolution" that leverages private sector investment to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 while expanding the UK economy. This approach emphasizes harnessing market forces rather than increasing taxes, with the goal of positioning Britain as a leader in the estimated £10 trillion global climate services market and growing the current £2 trillion economy through advancements in renewable energy, eco-technologies, and battery storage.[10] Central to their economic strategy is the redirection of resources from fossil fuels to sustainable industries, including the elimination of subsidies for fossil fuel companies to fund incentives for clean technologies. The party proposes tax breaks, export incentives, grants, and low-interest loans specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in green sectors, alongside subsidies to encourage hiring in climate-related roles. Investments in research and development (R&D), alongside infrastructure upgrades such as smart grids and electric vehicle networks, are intended to create jobs and stimulate sustainable growth without relying on public expenditure hikes.[10][3] This business-oriented framework integrates environmental goals with economic prosperity, including a commitment to restore 30% of nature by 2030 and 50% by 2050 through initiatives like a 1 Billion Tree Project, which the party argues will enhance biodiversity while opening new economic opportunities in eco-restoration and related industries. By prioritizing regulatory reforms to accelerate renewable energy adoption—such as wind, tidal, and solar—the Climate Party aims to bolster energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, framing these measures as drivers of long-term profitability and innovation for British businesses.[10]Conservatism and Broader Principles
The Climate Party positions itself as a centre-right alternative within the green conservative tradition, emphasizing market-driven solutions to environmental challenges over state-directed interventions. Founded to appeal to disillusioned Conservative voters, the party targets parliamentary seats held by Tory MPs resistant to robust climate policies, offering a business-oriented pathway to net zero emissions by 2030 without the progressive social agendas associated with left-leaning green parties.[16][3] This approach aligns with conservative preferences for private sector innovation, as evidenced by its blueprint's focus on unlocking growth through tax incentives, export promotion, and regulatory reforms to attract investment in the £10 trillion global climate services market.[10] Beyond environmental goals, the party's broader principles integrate climate action with economic prosperity and national self-reliance, viewing decarbonization as a catalyst for job creation, energy independence, and reduced household costs. It advocates harnessing private investment for renewable infrastructure and eco-technologies, rather than relying on public subsidies, to expand the UK's £2 trillion economy while enhancing food and resource security through sustainable agriculture and trade diplomacy.[10][4] These stances reflect a causal link between environmental stewardship and conservative priorities like fiscal prudence and competitiveness, positioning climate leadership as essential for addressing interconnected issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and energy vulnerabilities.[16] The party critiques short-term political self-interest across the spectrum, proposing instead a unified national effort under strong leadership to rebuild infrastructure and elevate living standards, explicitly differentiating itself from the Green Party's perceived left-wing extremism.[16] This framework extends to skills development for SMEs and urban greening initiatives that prioritize local empowerment and private enterprise, underscoring a commitment to pragmatic, growth-oriented conservatism that treats climate imperatives as opportunities for British innovation rather than burdens.[10]Organization and Leadership
Key Figures and Leadership Structure
The Climate Party maintains a compact leadership structure centered on its founder and leader, Ed Gemmell, who established the party on July 28, 2022, to advocate for pragmatic climate action aligned with economic growth.[3][1] This approach emphasizes a small, action-oriented team of eco-entrepreneurs, local politicians, and professionals rather than a formal executive committee or extensive bureaucracy typical of larger parties, reflecting the organization's status as a minor political entity focused on targeted electoral challenges.[1] The hierarchy is streamlined, with Gemmell directing strategy and operations, supported by individuals handling policy, administration, and advisory roles drawn from diverse backgrounds in business, local governance, and environmental advocacy.[1] Ed Gemmell, the party's leader, brings experience as a former army officer, city lawyer, and serial entrepreneur; he currently serves as managing director of the charity Scientists Warning Europe, a Buckinghamshire councillor elected specifically on a climate action platform, and a member of the Local Government Association's Environment, Economy, Housing, and Transport Board as well as the Buckinghamshire Local Government Pension Scheme Committee.[1] His leadership prioritizes a pro-business, pro-climate agenda, positioning the party to contest seats against incumbents perceived as insufficiently committed to emissions reductions.[2][1] Key supporting figures include Wisdom Da Costa, who leads policy development and stands as a candidate in Windsor and Maidenhead; an independent councillor and practising accountant (FCCA), Da Costa has focused on environmental issues, including piloting a responsible investment policy for the Royal Berkshire Pension Fund, and maintains interests such as beekeeping to promote biodiversity.[1] Maria Goretti oversees administration, leveraging her foundation in purchasing and supplies management to ensure operational efficiency.[1] Advisors and supporters, such as Marianne Overton MBE—a North Kesteven District and Lincolnshire County councillor, vice-chair of the Local Government Association, and leader of the Independent Network—provide strategic input without formal executive titles, underscoring the party's reliance on networked expertise from independent politicians.[1] This configuration enables flexibility for a nascent organization, though it lacks the layered committees or national officers found in established parties.[1]Membership, Funding, and Internal Operations
The Climate Party maintains a small membership base, consistent with its status as a minor political entity registered with the Electoral Commission on March 22, 2022.[8] Exact membership figures are not publicly disclosed, but the party's operational scale—evidenced by fielding 13 candidates in the 2024 general election—suggests a limited number of active participants, primarily volunteers and supporters recruited through its website's "Join our movement" portal.[4][17] The organization emphasizes grassroots involvement from eco-entrepreneurs, local councillors, and individuals focused on climate policy, without evidence of mass recruitment drives or large-scale dues-paying members typical of major parties. Funding for the Climate Party derives predominantly from small-scale donations, reflecting its nascent and niche positioning. During the first week of the 2024 general election campaign, the party reported receiving £25,000 in donations, excluding public funds.[18] For the 2024 reporting period, total income stood at £34,300, with expenditures of £35,711, resulting in a modest deficit; these figures indicate reliance on individual contributors rather than corporate or institutional backers. The party solicits support via crowdfunding platforms and its website, aligning with a strategy to fund targeted electoral challenges without substantial external financing.[19] No major donors or foreign funding have been reported in available disclosures. Internal operations are streamlined around a compact leadership core, comprising Party Leader Ed Gemmell—a former army officer, lawyer, and serial entrepreneur serving as a Buckinghamshire councillor—Policy and Candidate lead Wisdom Da Costa, an independent councillor and accountant specializing in environmental investments, and Administrator Maria Goretti, who handles logistical support.[1] Advisors such as Marianne Overton MBE, a district and county councillor, provide input on broader strategy. The structure prioritizes policy formulation for net-zero goals and business-driven decarbonization, with candidate selection focused on Conservative marginal seats to pressure incumbents on climate inaction. Decision-making appears centralized yet agile, supported by volunteers for campaigning and administrative tasks, without formalized branches or extensive bureaucracy indicative of larger parties. This model facilitates rapid response to environmental policy debates but limits scalability, as operations remain volunteer-dependent rather than professionally staffed.[1][4]Electoral Performance
By-Elections (2019–2024)
The Climate Party, founded in September 2022, did not contest any parliamentary by-elections between 2019 and mid-2023, as it was not yet registered or active during earlier contests in that parliament. The party's first electoral forays occurred during the two by-elections held simultaneously on 20 July 2023: Uxbridge and South Ruislip, and Selby and Ainsty. In both, the Climate Party candidates received fewer than 50 votes, falling well short of the 5% threshold required to retain their deposits, reflecting the challenges faced by minor parties in gaining visibility and support amid dominant national narratives on issues like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) expansion in Uxbridge and broader Conservative losses elsewhere.[20][12]| By-Election | Date | Candidate | Votes | Vote Share | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uxbridge and South Ruislip | 20 July 2023 | Ed Gemmell (Leader) | 49 | 0.2% | 13th (of 17) |
| Selby and Ainsty | 20 July 2023 | Luke Wellock | 39 | 0.1% | 13th (of 13) |
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