Contents
There are five positions up for election.
These roles exist to represent the members and to further the achievement of the Green Party’s objectives generally and specifically through supporting the development of Policy through members and Conference.
The role holders will work with the Policy Development Co-ordinator to ensure that motions brought to Conference are the best they can be, and that the policy process – including the work of the policy working groups – adheres to the Party constitution and standing orders.
The Candidates
Dr Husam Alharahsheh
I am standing for the Policy Development Committee because the Green Party is the most sensible, inclusive, and future-focused political movement in the United Kingdom. With our growing influence at local and national levels, this is a crucial time to contribute meaningfully to the party’s policy direction and help shape a clear, credible platform for electoral success. Our policies are rooted in environmental justice, social equity, and long-term sustainability principles that must now be translated into bold, practical solutions.
I believe the Green Party represents the most intelligent, inclusive, and future-focused movement in British politics today. With our growing influence at both local and national levels, now is the time to reinforce our position through transparent, credible, and values-driven policy work.
I am a proud, well-educated professional with a doctorate focusing on employability strategy and policy in education. My academic journey includes study and research with both the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, where I explored critical areas such as education policy, conflict transformation, creativity, and innovation. I have served in numerous organisational roles, including academic and research leadership positions, and have actively represented the interests of many stakeholders. My research and policy interests include sustainability, smart cities, digital transformation, and inclusive education. I offer a multidisciplinary background in business and education and a deep appreciation for the role of policy in driving meaningful change.
As a member of the Policy Development Committee, I will contribute transparent, forward-thinking, and inclusive policy insight. I will work collaboratively, listen actively, and ensure that Green Party policies remain connected to real-world needs. I believe in the party’s mission, and I am confident that with strong and diverse leadership, we can deliver the progress and change that so many people across the country are hoping for.
As a member of the Policy Development Committee, I will bring strategic insight, knowledge depth, and a strong commitment to inclusive, evidence-led policymaking when possible and relevant. My approach is rooted in integrity, collaboration, and a belief that policy must be both principled and practical, capable of delivering tangible outcomes for people, communities, and the planet.
With a solid understanding of Green Party policy and experience in governance and policy development, I am well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the Committee’s work. I will advocate for clarity, accessibility, and transparency in the development of our policies, ensuring they reflect both grassroots wisdom and the long-term societal changes we aim to achieve.
The Green Party is now more relevant than ever. This is a pivotal moment to advance policies that not only inspire but also stand up to scrutiny, resonate with voters, and deliver genuine progress.
I would be honoured to have your support and to play my part in helping the Green Party become the transformative political force this country so clearly needs.
Joshua Alston
I am a longtime party member and want to be on Policy Development Committee to ensure that our policies meet the radical ambition of the party and are robust enough to fully do justice to those ambitions.
Who am I, what qualifies me for the role, and what is my favourite species of penguin?
- Policy officer and former chair of Jewish Greens, who knows Green Party processes like the back of his hand
- A long-term Leeds Green Party member
- Experienced researcher and academic with a wide policy knowledge
- My favourite species of penguin is the Adelie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae). This is one of the smaller species of penguin, and the smallest of all the Antarctic species of penguin. Despite their small size and awkward demeaner they are infamously aggressive and protective of their nests and have been known to mob potential predators such as gannets.
- Member of two PWGs
- Lead author and proposer of the Green Party’s Guidance on Antisemitism. I know what it takes to get a complicated policy over the line.
As a part of PDC, I will:
- Ensure Radical and Rigorous Policy
In the Green Party we are blessed with a great deal of knowledge, experience and expertise in various areas of policy, but often our processes are too labyrinthine to enable experts (or even ordinary members) to play a role in the policy process. I would seek to use this role to connect PWGs to expertise and vice versa and ensure that everyone involved knows enough to contribute to policy. - Make policy simple
Too often policy fails on procedural grounds. In an ideal world, the only barrier for policymaking should be the quality of the idea. As part of my role, I will actively reach out to membership and run sessions on how Green Party process works, and any procedural or constitutional issues stemming from the policy. This needs to extend beyond the (excellent) policyfest. - Protect Equality and Diversity
On the principle of ‘nothing about us, without us’, I will ensure that our liberation groups are aware of policy which is coming to conference that might affect them and are able to give their thoughts and feedback to the motion proposer. - An efficient process
Much of this role is, unavoidably, administrative. I have the time, the energy and the skills to work with the rest of the PDC to unsure that the administration entailed in party policy is up-to date and runs smoothly.
Martin Blake
I’ve been a member of Policy Development Committee (PDC) for nearly 4 years, a role which I’ve enjoyed and found extremely rewarding. I’m therefore standing for election for a further term, hoping to build on the knowledge and experience I’ve developed during my time on the Committee.
The fact that our policies are debated and agreed by our members, not by our leaders, is one of the key factors distinguishing us from our political opponents. PDC’s main role therefore is to support the member-led Policy Working Groups (PWGs) which are largely responsible for developing new policy, drawing on the vast reservoir of expert knowledge which our members collectively possess. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with PWGs involved in key areas of policy, such as environmental protection and the biodiversity crisis, culture, media and sport, and the future of our nation’s democracy and governance. By supporting them in steering their work through Conference, I’ve relished playing my part in the Party’s policy-making process.
The responsibilities involved in being a member of PDC require a detailed knowledge of the Party’s Constitution, the Standing Orders for the Conduct of Conference and our conference procedures. This knowledge takes time to build up, and even though we never stop learning I believe my experience stands me in good stead to be an effective member of the Committee over the next couple of years should I be re-elected.
Outside of PDC, I have served in most positions on the committee of my local party, and as secretary and joint co-ordinator of my regional party. I stood as a parliamentary candidate in the last two general elections, and in the past served as a city councillor in Cambridge. One way and another, in recent years I’ve devoted a fair chunk of my life to serving the Green Party, and would love to have the opportunity to carry on doing so as a member of Policy Development Committee.
Ray Harding
I have been a member of the Green Party (Ely & East Cambridgeshire) for about two years, & I have been a co-opted member of the Policy Development Committee for the past eighteen months or so.
For much of my political life I was a member of the Labour Party where I was a Constituency Party Secretary, an elected member on Wolverhampton Borough Council (Chairing both the Housing Committee & the controlling Labour Group). I also served for a number of years on the former West Midlands Police Authority where I chaired the Personnel Committee).
I left active politics when I was employed in a politically restricted post in local government, subsequently working for fourteen years as Chief Executive at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk I was also the Returning Officer for this period.
When I retired from local government I felt unable to re-join the a Labour Party & felt politically homeless. I subsequently joined the Green Party, which speaks to many of the issues about which I care deeply.
Outside of politics I am a runner, music fan, school & FE college governor, trustee & volunteer at the Greyhound Trust & a trustee of an Alms house trust, & I am active in my local community (open spaces group etc)
Serving as a co-opted member of PDC has been interesting, enjoyable & has required a considerable time commitment. It has also been a steep learning curve for me, particularly as PDC have been short handed for much of this time. I have had the pleasure of working with a number of Policy Working Groups including the following – Housing & Planning, Drugs, Disability, Social Welfare, & Finance & Economy.
Based on my experience to date I have come to the view that the Green Party policy formulation process is in need of a thorough overhaul. At the present time whilst it has great strengths in for example it’s thoroughness & inclusivity it is remains too far removed from the political process, too complex & too slow to respond to rapid changes in the wider political world. I should like to see the Party begin to address the shortcomings in the process whilst retaining it’s integrity & undoubted strengths.
In conclusion I should like to say that I feel that I have learnt a great deal about the role from my colleagues on PDC & also from the policy working groups themselves. I believe that being a co-opted member has represented a good apprenticeship for an elected position on Policy Development Committee & would welcome your support in the elections for this position.
Roger Mann
Since joining the Green Party almost a year ago, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many amazing people—passionate, principled, and deeply committed to building a fairer, greener future. I’ve seen first-hand the incredible breadth of life experience, skills, and knowledge within our movement, and it’s clear to me that the potential of this party is extraordinary. But I also recognise the very real challenges we face—both internally, in how we organise and collaborate, and externally, in how we communicate our values and navigate a fast-changing political landscape.
One of the greatest strengths of our party—and something I believe sets us apart—is our commitment to being truly member-led. Nowhere is this more important than in policy development. It is a powerful principle that policy comes from the grassroots, shaped by the knowledge and lived experience of our members rather than handed down from above. But it must also, wherever possible, be informed by data and grounded in evidence. Combining lived experience with rigorous analysis is how we craft policies that are not only visionary but also credible, effective, and resilient under scrutiny.
If elected, I will help shape a policy development process that is both dynamic and efficient—open to innovation, welcoming to newcomers, but also structured enough to deliver clarity and impact. We must strike a balance between inclusivity and focus, between depth and accessibility.
Equally, I believe we need to break down the silos that sometimes form between policy areas. Issues like climate justice, economic reform, housing, health, and education are deeply interconnected—not just with each other, but also with the broader context of planetary boundaries, the need for a secure social foundation, and our responsibility to be good custodians of nature. That includes care for wildlife, ecosystems, and the living world that sustains us. A truly transformative agenda can’t be developed in fragments. We need to look at our policies not just individually but as part of a comprehensive joined-up, holistic vision for society. That means fostering more cross-policy collaboration, encouraging systems thinking, and making space for long-term, strategic reflection.
Policy, no matter how sound, must also be understood. We owe it to both our members and the wider public to communicate what we stand for in ways that are clear, compelling, and rooted in people’s everyday lives. That means plain language, real-world examples, and a willingness to explain not just what we propose, but why it matters. Internally, better communication helps members feel informed, empowered, and engaged with the direction of the party. Externally, it strengthens our credibility and builds trust.
I believe good policy is the foundation of everything we do—but it only works when it connects, when it’s understood, and when it reflects who we are. I want to contribute in a practical, hands-on way—drawing on experience with IT systems, strategic programme management, and collaborative problem-solving—to support a process that is inclusive, future-facing, and equipped to turn our shared values into real-world impact.
Francesco Piscitelli
Contact Details
- None provided
Hi, I’m Francesco (or Frankie for short), and I am an editor for non-fiction illustrated books, usually working on science, nature, and history books (I used to predominantly work for Dorling Kindersley). I’ve been working as an editor in the publishing industry for just over 10 years now and I love it; I’m passionate about sharing accessible knowledge as widely as possible. When working on books, I co-lead projects with a designer; sharing ideas and information along the way. Before publishing, I obtained a BSc in Animal Behaviour, so my love for animals, nature, and anything green goes without saying.
I’ve been trained to simplify complex topics (anything from geological processes to clean energy to political history) for a wide audience. My Senior Editor, my mentor, always used to tell me that I should imagine a friend reading the book that I’m working on and, if that friend doesn’t understand the topic after reading what I’ve edited, I need to edit the text so the topic is made clearer. I believe this is my most important skill I can bring to the Policy Development Committee.
I’m good at looking at the “big picture”. When working on books that can be 400pp+, editors need to link topics together cohesively, and I believe this skill (as well as a wide knowledge) can help thread together and flesh out the Green’s policy and upcoming manifestos. We know from data that the general public are keen to know more about Green Party policy, especially when it comes to economics.
I’m passionate about bringing left-wing economic policies to the Green Party by working with progressive think tanks such as Abundance, Autonomy, and Common Wealth. In my job, I hire academic consultants who are experts in their field to check over my books and confirm we’re explaining/showing a topic correctly. I want to develop similar relationships with leftist economists and policy-makers outside the Green Party, to help us develop our programme. I think this is an exciting time where, if we are clear about specifically who we will tax and where the wealth comes from, the Green Party can get creative when it comes to policy and win the public over.
Lastly, just a bit about me personally: I’m 33, a socialist, gay, and from north London, and have a mixed background (Neapolitan-Italian & Indian). I love working in a team (I used to play in an LGBTQ+ netball team) and collaborating with people, so I’m excited to (hopefully!) have the opportunity to work with others on the committee.
Matthew Spoors
I am a District Councillor and Town Councillor for Newark and Sherwood. I am working hard to support green initiatives and investments in my district. I believe that the party nationally has a solid platform of policy but now needs to set an even clearer direction towards socially responsible economic policy that can support and drive ecological sustainability. I hope to ensure that the voice of members is heard and policy proposals represent both the views of the party and the community of green activists and members. The economic structures we have do not support ecological sustainability. I will communicate the rationale for any preferred policy direction and ensure that the core values of the party are always maintained.
Fer’ha Syed
As a Green Party member with a track record of service and advocacy across multiple levels of the party, I bring both lived experience and strategic insight that would make me a valuable asset to the Policy Development Committee.
I currently serve as:
- Membership Secretary for Croydon Green Party,
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Representative for the London Federation of Green Parties,
- Member of the Health Policy Working Group
- Policy Officer for the Muslim Greens.
These roles have given me an understanding of the policy-making needs of our diverse membership and the importance of inclusive, well-researched, and forward-thinking policy development.
As London EDI rep I was involved in organising the London Green Party Conference and delivering an EDI discussion panel, discussing how we can ensure marginalised voices are being represented and heard, and embedding equity and justice in all aspects of party policy in an externally hostile environment to EDI.
As a member of the Muslim Greens I have organised educational webinars with cross interest groups participation, to better educate on the intersectionality of policy positions, encouraging party cohesion and collaboration.
Professionally, I have worked as a dentist in both adult and paediatric special care settings within the NHS for over 20 years. This has provided me with front-line insight into public health, social inequality, disability rights, and the challenges facing our healthcare system. I’ve seen first-hand how policy directly affects people’s lives, particularly the most vulnerable. I believe this perspective is crucial for developing Green Party policies that are not only visionary but also grounded in practical, compassionate solutions.
My background has equipped me with analytical skills, experience in consensus-building, and a deep commitment to evidence-based decision-making. I am passionate about supporting the Green Party to continue leading the way on climate justice, social justice, and systemic change.
Serving on the Policy Development Committee would be a continuation of my dedication to strengthening the party’s policy foundation and ensuring it reflects both our values and the lived realities of the diverse people we serve.