Maiden Mother Matriarch with Louise Perry Welcome to the new politics
Mar 1, 2026
Ed West, journalist and commentator, explains shifting political coalitions and by-election surprises. He talks about the Greens’ unexpected win, outreach tactics and changing party identity. They discuss demographic shifts, turnout, and how social and international issues reshape voting alliances.
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How The Greens Won By Building An Unlikely Coalition
- The Greens won Gorton and Denton by building a diverse coalition that outperformed expectations.
- They combined local Islamist support, progressive young women, and protest voters to convert Labour disaffection into a Green victory.
Greens' Identity Shift From Environment To Sectarian Coalitions
- The Green Party shifted from environmentalism to identity-based coalition politics in some areas.
- Ed West argues Greens now court Islamist and sectarian votes, changing the party's social composition and focus away from traditional environmental issues.
Palestine And Anti-Establishment Politics As Coalition Glue
- Shared opposition to the right and to Israel can unite groups with very different social values.
- Ed West explains economic marginalization, anti-West narratives, and Israel as a keystone issue that bonds progressive activists and Muslim voters.