Former Labour Mayor Jamie Driscoll Joins Green Party Amid Political Shifts
Published 17 December 2025
Highlights
- Jamie Driscoll, former Labour mayor for North of Tyne, has joined the Green Party, citing dissatisfaction with current UK politics.
- Driscoll previously ran as an independent in the 2024 North East mayoral election, finishing second to Labour's Kim McGuinness.
- The Green Party, led by Zack Polanski, is experiencing a surge in membership and political momentum across the UK.
- Driscoll was involved in the formation of Your Party with Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana but left due to internal disputes.
- Labour has criticized Driscoll as a "political liability" following his multiple party affiliations over the past year.
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Rewritten Article
Former Labour Mayor Jamie Driscoll Joins Green Party Amid Political Shifts
Jamie Driscoll, the former Labour mayor for North of Tyne, has announced his decision to join the Green Party, marking a significant shift in his political journey. Driscoll, who served as mayor from 2019 to 2024, expressed his disillusionment with the current state of UK politics, describing it as "a mess" and emphasizing that the Green Party is committed to long-term national interests.
Political Background and Recent Developments
Driscoll's political career has been marked by significant changes. Initially elected as a Labour candidate, he left the party in 2023 after being blocked from re-running for mayor. He then ran as an independent in the 2024 North East mayoral election, securing a second-place finish behind Labour's Kim McGuinness. His recent move to the Green Party comes amid a broader trend of political realignments, with several Labour councillors also defecting to the Greens.
Involvement with Your Party
Beyond his mayoral role, Driscoll was instrumental in the early stages of forming Your Party, a left-wing initiative associated with former Labour MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana. However, he distanced himself from the project following internal conflicts and disputes over financial management. Driscoll and other directors resigned from MoU Operations Ltd, the company handling party donations, citing integrity issues.
Green Party's Growing Influence
The Green Party, under the leadership of Zack Polanski, has been gaining momentum, with increased membership and a rise in polling numbers. Polanski praised Driscoll's decision, highlighting his track record of delivering tangible change. The party's growth is evident in Newcastle, where they have secured four seats on the city council and are poised to make further gains in upcoming local elections.
Labour's Response and Future Prospects
Labour has been critical of Driscoll's political journey, labeling him a "political liability" due to his frequent party changes. Despite this, Driscoll remains optimistic about his future with the Greens, expressing a desire to stand in local elections and potentially as an MP. He believes the Green Party offers a platform for bold politics that prioritizes solutions over division.
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Scenario Analysis
Driscoll's defection to the Green Party could signal a broader trend of political realignment in the UK, particularly among those disillusioned with traditional parties. As the Greens continue to gain traction, they may become a more formidable force in local and national elections. This shift could pressure Labour to reassess its strategies and policies to retain its base. Additionally, Driscoll's involvement with the Greens might inspire other politicians seeking a platform for progressive change, potentially reshaping the UK's political landscape in the coming years.
Jamie Driscoll, the former Labour mayor for North of Tyne, has announced his decision to join the Green Party, marking a significant shift in his political journey. Driscoll, who served as mayor from 2019 to 2024, expressed his disillusionment with the current state of UK politics, describing it as "a mess" and emphasizing that the Green Party is committed to long-term national interests.
Political Background and Recent Developments
Driscoll's political career has been marked by significant changes. Initially elected as a Labour candidate, he left the party in 2023 after being blocked from re-running for mayor. He then ran as an independent in the 2024 North East mayoral election, securing a second-place finish behind Labour's Kim McGuinness. His recent move to the Green Party comes amid a broader trend of political realignments, with several Labour councillors also defecting to the Greens.
Involvement with Your Party
Beyond his mayoral role, Driscoll was instrumental in the early stages of forming Your Party, a left-wing initiative associated with former Labour MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana. However, he distanced himself from the project following internal conflicts and disputes over financial management. Driscoll and other directors resigned from MoU Operations Ltd, the company handling party donations, citing integrity issues.
Green Party's Growing Influence
The Green Party, under the leadership of Zack Polanski, has been gaining momentum, with increased membership and a rise in polling numbers. Polanski praised Driscoll's decision, highlighting his track record of delivering tangible change. The party's growth is evident in Newcastle, where they have secured four seats on the city council and are poised to make further gains in upcoming local elections.
Labour's Response and Future Prospects
Labour has been critical of Driscoll's political journey, labeling him a "political liability" due to his frequent party changes. Despite this, Driscoll remains optimistic about his future with the Greens, expressing a desire to stand in local elections and potentially as an MP. He believes the Green Party offers a platform for bold politics that prioritizes solutions over division.
What this might mean
Driscoll's defection to the Green Party could signal a broader trend of political realignment in the UK, particularly among those disillusioned with traditional parties. As the Greens continue to gain traction, they may become a more formidable force in local and national elections. This shift could pressure Labour to reassess its strategies and policies to retain its base. Additionally, Driscoll's involvement with the Greens might inspire other politicians seeking a platform for progressive change, potentially reshaping the UK's political landscape in the coming years.
