At just 21 years old, Thomas Daw stands out as North Somerset Council’s youngest councillor and, until recently, the Green Party’s youngest councillor nationwide. Now, he is announcing his candidacy for the party’s deputy leader position, aiming to revitalise the Greens with a stronger voice for young people.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Daw emphasized the disconnect between the party’s youth support and its leadership: “We are the best performing party among 18-24 year olds and there’s no one in our leadership that reflects that.” His bid comes as the Green Party prepares for its biennial leadership elections this August, with results expected in early September.
Currently, Green Party Deputy Leader Zack Polanski has declared his leadership challenge, advocating for an “eco-populism” approach to directly confront the growing influence of Reform. Unlike other parties, the Greens hold regular leadership elections open to non-MPs, allowing activists like Daw to put themselves forward.
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Daw wholeheartedly supports Polanski’s stance on adopting a more populist and dynamic approach: “Absolutely. We need more fire. We’ve had two years of the ‘nice people’ – it’s gotten us this far, but with the rise of Reform, it’s time to stand up and take on the fight. Otherwise, we’ll slowly plod along.”
Since his election as Green councillor for Wrington in November 2023, Daw has actively contributed to local campaigns. Notably, the Greens secured a historic 21.7% vote share in the 2024 Avon Police and Crime Commissioner election, marking their best result in that arena.
Reflecting on his experience, Daw underscored his relatability and insight into modern youth challenges: “I’m experienced in politics but also deeply understand what it’s like to be young today.” His personal background includes his family’s struggle with the two child benefit cap, an issue affecting many families nationwide.
In a statement, Daw outlined his vision: “I’m standing for deputy leader because the Green Party needs a leadership team ready to seize this political moment. Working-class communities, especially young people, face impossible choices: unaffordable housing, crumbling infrastructure, and environmental decay. The system is failing us all.”
He continued: “The Green Party holds the vision people desperately need—a sustainable economy, decisive climate action, and improved living standards. But we need leadership with clarity and charisma to communicate this. As deputy leader, I would amplify our message across all communities, highlighting economic policies that tackle both climate and inequality. We must confront Reform’s divisive scapegoating and Labour’s empty promises alike.”
Daw concluded with a rallying call: “Our party is poised for national leadership—but only if we are bold enough to claim it. I will help make the Green Party the true home for voters abandoned by the political establishment.”
The current Green Party leadership comprises two co-leaders, including Bristol Central MP Carla Denyer, who recently announced she will not seek re-election. The leadership elections scheduled for 2024 were postponed to avoid clashing with the general election, setting the stage for vibrant contests this summer.