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The role exists to represent the members and to further the achievement of the Green Party’s objectives generally and specifically through providing a leadership and advice on Finance issues, supporting the other GPEx members to fulfil their financial responsibilities. The role holder will often, but not always, act as the Party Treasurer.
The Candidates
Imtiaz Ali
My name is Imtiaz Ali, and I am running for the position in Finance Coordinator with a vision to bring transparency, responsibility, and innovation to the role. With a strong foundation in Mathematics and over 20 years of experience in Finance, I have honed my expertise in the actuarial profession, specifically in risk and capital reporting for a FTSE 100 Life Insurance firm based in Central London.
Since January 2023, I have been an active member of the Green Party, serving as the Chair of my local Peterborough Green Party since February 2024. I was re-elected as a city councillor in May 2024, where I lead on finance-related matters, representing the group on the Financial Sustainability Working Group (FSWG) and engaging in budget consultations. These roles have equipped me with a deep understanding of financial management within the public sphere, alongside a proven track record in leadership and advocacy.
In my role as Chairman, I work closely with the Finance coordinator to ensure that our electoral ambitions are matched by our expected income and from fundraising activity. This strategy has allowed us to be confident of the number of target wards we assign and how we ensure that we don’t fall short in our ambitions due to a lack of financial planning.
My volunteer experience further demonstrates my commitment to community development. I have previously served as Treasurer for several organisations, including an independent school and a grassroots football club where I continue to coach the U14 team—a journey I began with these young athletes when they were just six years old.
My skill set includes proficiency in balance sheets, cashflow statements, business planning, and advanced MS Excel functions. However, my greatest strength lies in my ability to present financial data effectively, ensuring clarity and accessibility for all stakeholders. I believe in simplifying complex financial information through concise messaging, visuals, and structured communication to enhance understanding and engagement.
What I expect to bring to the role:
As the Finance Coordinator on GPex, I would bring a combination of technical expertise, community leadership, and a collaborative approach. I am dedicated to fostering transparency in decision-making and driving sustainable policies that benefit everyone. I believe that any planning activity that has financial implications needs to have a sensible business plan in place with expected future cashflows that highlight whether the execution of the plan is feasible. In any kind of political plan, we need to have an understanding of what we can afford, what we can raise, and how to best get the best return on the money we spend and ensure electoral success.
I humbly ask for your support in this election to continue championing Green Party values and delivering impactful results for our party and for society more generally.
Julian Cusack
I joined the Green Party in 2019. In 2023 I acted as a campaign manager for 6 target Wards in the District Council elections in which overall we increased our representation on East Suffolk Council from 5 to 16.
I am a Chartered Accountant and have worked as an auditor, financial accountant, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer. As well as finance-related jobs in my business career, I have held many unpaid roles as the treasurer of charities and other not-for-profit organisations. This background gives me a track record of identifying and managing financial risks, and working with volunteers, both of which I think are essential to this role.
I was elected to the Green Party Executive (GPEx) as Finance Coordinator in 2023 and appointed Treasurer in May 2024. In this role I have worked with the staff finance team to submit unqualified audit reports on our financial statements for 2023 and 2024, improve compliance with Electoral Commission’s donation reporting obligations and tackle difficult budget challenges. As chair of the Administration and Finance Committee of GPEx, I am working to improve our risk management processes and culture.
If I am re-elected to continue in this role, my priorities will include supporting our donor fund-raising efforts, further developing our IT and digital infrastructure and shaping our budget to focus on scaling up the party’s communications and electoral activities.