# Thousands Are Joining the Green Party. Here’s Why | Deputy Green Party Leader - Rachel Millward Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eohI6SRMvkE Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/eohI6SRMvkE Generated: 2025-10-05T09:33:05.877+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Rachel Millward, Deputy Leader of the Green Party, attributes the party's recent surge in membership, which she estimates to be thousands joining monthly, to the clear and authentic communication style of leader Zack Polanski, contrasting this with the perceived lack of enthusiasm among Labour voters and the need for a political movement that offers a visionary alternative to the status quo. **Key Points:** - Green Party membership is surging, with Rachel Millward estimating thousands of new members joining every month, attributing this to leader Zack Polanski's communication. - Millward previously left the Labour Party after feeling frustrated by the lack of bold action on issues like social justice and wealth tax, which she felt the party was avoiding. - She compares the Green Party's current energy and clear vision favorably against the perceived negative political climate following Brexit and the perceived complacency of other parties. - Millward joined the Green Party about five years prior to the interview, realizing their policies aligned with her desire to serve nature and communities. - She notes that the party's focus on environmental campaigns and social justice resonates deeply, contrasting with what she sees as a lack of ambition or fear of change in other major parties. - Millward suggests the Green Party is in a unique position to offer a transformative political vision that addresses current societal anxieties, evidenced by their ability to mobilize people across rural and urban areas. ![Screenshot at 00:18: Rachel Millward, Deputy Leader of the Green Party, discusses the party's increasing momentum and the excitement surrounding Zack Polanski's leadership, noting the influx of thousands of new members monthly.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/eohI6SRMvkE/00-00-18.png) **Context:** The video features an interview between Aaron Bastani, Contributing Editor, and Rachel Millward, Deputy Leader of the Green Party. The discussion centers on the significant growth in Green Party membership and the reasons behind this surge, specifically crediting the leadership and communication style of Zack Polanski, the party's leader. Millward also reflects on her own political journey, including her previous membership in the Labour Party. ## Detailed Analysis Rachel Millward confirms that the Green Party is experiencing substantial growth, estimating thousands of new members joining monthly, a trend she directly links to the inspiring communication and authenticity of party leader Zack Polanski. Millward recounts that she personally left the Labour Party after becoming disillusioned, specifically citing frustration over the lack of bold action on issues like social justice and wealth taxes, which she felt Labour was too hesitant to champion (02:35, 03:38). She explains that Polanski's style is deeply motivating, allowing him to connect with people across different demographics, including those disillusioned with both Labour and the Conservatives (04:48, 05:37). Millward recounts her own decision to join the Green Party five years prior, driven by a desire to advocate for environmentalism and social justice, which she found to be central to the Green Party's platform (07:23, 09:31). She emphasizes that the party's focus on environmentalism is now their lead issue, and that their clear, non-two-party political approach offers the 'real change' that history demands (07:55, 09:44). She expresses optimism that this momentum, exemplified by their strong showing in recent local elections, positions them to become a significant political force, possibly gaining 30 or more MPs in the next general election (12:08). ### Green Party Growth and Leadership - Membership is surging, with thousands joining monthly, driven by Zack Polanski's inspiring and authentic communication style - Millward credits this growth to Polanski's ability to make the party's vision feel immediate and exciting compared to established parties. ### Political Transition and Motivation - Millward previously left Labour due to frustration over perceived policy timidity on issues like wealth tax and social justice - Her personal motivation for joining the Greens was a desire to fight for environmental and social change (09:10, 09:38). ### Electoral Outlook - Millward predicts the Green Party could secure at least 30 MPs in the next general election, a significant leap from their current representation - She frames this as a necessary disruption to the long-standing two-party political dominance (13:16, 13:43). ![Screenshot at 00:01: Aaron Bastani interviewing Rachel Millward, Deputy Leader of the Green Party, against a backdrop featuring the Green Party logo.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/eohI6SRMvkE/00-00-01.png) ![Screenshot at 00:18: Rachel Millward discussing the significant recent increase in Green Party membership numbers.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/eohI6SRMvkE/00-00-18.png) ![Screenshot at 00:35: Millward animatedly describing the positive impact Zack Polanski's leadership is having on the party's appeal.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/eohI6SRMvkE/00-00-35.png) ![Screenshot at 00:55: Millward responds to Aaron Bastani's question about her expectations regarding the party's recent success.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/eohI6SRMvkE/00-00-55.png) ![Screenshot at 01:34: Millward elaborates on observing Zack Polanski's growth in communication skills since he became deputy leader.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/eohI6SRMvkE/00-01-34.png) ![Screenshot at 02:23: Aaron Bastani questions Millward on whether the Green Party is truly for the whole country, referencing regional disparities.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/eohI6SRMvkE/00-02-23.png) ![Screenshot at 03:44: Millward emphasizes that the Green Party's approach of meeting people where they are, regardless of their background, is crucial for making a difference.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/eohI6SRMvkE/00-03-44.png) ![Screenshot at 05:03: Millward reflecting on the transformative impact of her political journey and activism.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/eohI6SRMvkE/00-05-03.png) ![Screenshot at 07:17: Millward emphasizes the necessity of constant action and fighting for progress rather than assuming things will improve on their own.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/eohI6SRMvkE/00-07-17.png) ![Screenshot at 13:44: The interview concludes with a visual display of Green Party promotional material featuring leader Zack Polanski and the slogan 'Bold plans to tax the super rich'.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/eohI6SRMvkE/00-13-44.png)