Runnymede Council Split Over Green Party’s Zionism Stance

Published on: 10 Nov, 2026
Updated on: 10 Nov, 2026

By Chris Caulfield

local democracy reporter

The Green Party’s “Zionism is racism” motion has split Runnymede Borough Council’s leadership alliance and led to calls for the mayor to reject it or stand down.

In October, the Green Party adopted a policy that formally established it as an anti-Zionist movement after its members voted 1,022 in favour, to 813 against, to set out its opposition to the “ethnonationalist political project”.

It also said “anti-Zionism should not be equated with antisemitism” and reasserted a commitment to the liberation of Palestine, the right of return, as well as a full arms embargo against Israel.

Critics of the motion said it was racist, while the local Conservative group said it could fuel antisemitism in Runnymede and deepen fears among Jewish residents.

Cllr Steve Ringham

They also called on the Mayor, Green Party member Cllr Steve Ringham (Addlestone North), to stand down from his role as first citizen of the borough and walked out in protest when attempts to debate the matter were shut down during the October full council meeting.

The Runnymede Conservatives said the mayor should represent all members of the borough equally and the Green Party’s motion was in direct conflict with the council’s own anti-racism policies.

Labour called on its members to cease power sharing arrangements with Green Party groups that refused to condemn the motion – and the “innovative” four-party leadership group at Runnymede Borough Council came to an end.

Cllr Chris Howorth

Cllr Chris Howorth (Virginia Water), Conservative group leader, said: “The mayor’s role is to be apolitical and represent every resident of Runnymede, regardless of their background, beliefs or political affiliation.

“That includes our Jewish residents, who have every right to feel safe, respected and equally represented.

“Criticism of the Israeli government is entirely legitimate. However, there is a fundamental difference between criticising government policy and using language that challenges the Jewish people’s right to self-determination and risks reinforcing antisemitism.

“By refusing to oppose this motion, Cllr Ringham has undermined confidence in his ability to represent the whole community and uphold the principles of the council’s equality policy.

“The mayor must represent every resident, above party politics. His refusal to oppose this motion calls into question his ability to fulfil that responsibility and, in our view, makes his position as mayor untenable.”

Runnymede Borough Council said that in 2024 Labour, Lib Dems, Resident Association members and the Green Party formed the Runnymede Council Alliance – and assumed control of the authority as the single largest group under a four-leader model.

In the wake of the motion, the Green Party councillors notified Runnymede of their decision to leave the alliance and form a separate political group.

They have yet to come out with a formal position on their party’s new policy but expect to do so shortly.

Cllr Ringham said they left to prevent remaining alliance members, and in particular Labour members, from having to decide between national party and local residents.

He said: “On October 22, Cllr Priya Mehta and myself, Cllr Steve Ringham, formed the Runnymede Green Party group within Runnymede Borough Council.

“This follows our decision to step away from the Runnymede Council Alliance after two and a half years of working collaboratively, positively and productively with our fellow Labour, Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors.

“This decision was taken in the wake of the letter issued by the Labour Party national leadership, a letter that demanded Green councillors across the country in power-sharing arrangements with Labour, publicly denounce the recent “Zionism is Racism” motion that was passed in October at the Green Party Autumn conference or face the withdrawal of Labour support in those arrangements.

“In the four years since I was elected, and since 2024 for Cllr Mehta, we have both enjoyed working with our Labour counterparts, both in opposition and as the administration.

“There has been mutual trust, transparency and genuine friendships as we have all focused on delivering the best outcomes for our residents.

“Our decision to step aside is not a reflection on our opinions about the motion.

“It is a practical one that we felt was in the best interest of the administration and by extension, for our residents.

“Just as the Green Party does not tolerate racism in any form, including antisemitism, neither does it tolerate bullying.

“But if we had dug our heels in on this issue, the other members of the administration would need to pick a side.

“That was, we felt, unfair on our colleagues and would have damaged the Alliance, when all of us have worked to maintain a united front for the last two and a half years.

“At worst, if the Labour councillors had been forced to withdraw from the Alliance, it could have handed control of the council back to the Conservatives, just months before Runnymede Borough Council ceases to exist next year.

“So for the good of the alliance and we believe, the good of our residents, we have stepped aside.

“The alliance will continue as the administration to deliver for the residents and businesses of Runnymede and we, as Green Councillors, will continue to support them as we would have done before.”

The new political make up of Runnymede Borough Council is as follows: