Current Green Party Leaders in Ireland and England

Few political parties have seen as much change in recent years as the Greens on both sides of the Irish Sea. In Ireland, Roderic O’Gorman took the reins in 2021, while across the water, Zack Polanski became the sole leader of the Green Party of England and Wales in September 2025.

Current leader (Ireland): Roderic O’Gorman · Current leader (England and Wales): Zack Polanski · Number of TDs (2024): 12 · Number of councillors (Ireland): 46 · Party founded (Ireland): 1981

Six key facts about the Green Party’s structure: one party with two distinct national branches.

Who is the current leader of the Green Party in Ireland?

Background of Roderic O’Gorman

• O’Gorman became leader in 2021, succeeding Eamon Ryan – Green Party Ireland Facebook video.
• He serves as Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in the coalition government.
• O’Gorman is the party’s first openly gay leader, a milestone for Irish politics.

During his tenure, the party has maintained its role in government while pushing for stronger climate legislation. The implication: O’Gorman balances coalition responsibilities with the party’s environmental identity.

Leadership tenure and achievements

• Under O’Gorman, the Green Party held 12 TDs after the 2020 general election, its best-ever result – Green Party Ireland Facebook page.
• He led the party into a coalition with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, securing key ministerial portfolios.

The trade-off: government participation gives the Greens direct policy influence but also subjects them to compromise on core principles.

Who are the former leaders of the Green Party in Ireland?

List of former leaders

• Trevor Sargent (2001–2007) – first leader to oversee the party’s entry into coalition in 2007 – Britannica.
• John Gormley (2007–2011) – led the party during its first period in government, serving as Minister for the Environment.
• Eamon Ryan (2011–2021) – rebuilt the party after the 2011 electoral wipeout and served as Minister for Transport – Britannica.

The pattern: each leader took the party through a distinct phase – from opposition to government and back, with Ryan’s tenure laying the groundwork for the 2020 surge.

Notable contributions

Sargent focused on local organising and anti-war activism. Gormley pushed forward climate legislation like the Carbon Tax. Ryan championed cycling infrastructure and renewable energy. What this means: the leadership lineage reflects the party’s evolution from a protest movement to a coalition-ready force.

Who is the leader of the Green Party in England?

Current leader

• Zack Polanski was elected leader of the Green Party of England and Wales on 2 September 2025, winning 85% of the vote – Wikipedia – Zack Polanski.
• He succeeded the co-leadership of Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay, who had served since 2021 – Wikipedia – Green Party leadership history.
• Polanski previously served as deputy leader (2022–2025) and is a member of the London Assembly.

The catch: Polanski inherits a party with four MPs and over 800 council seats but faces the challenge of breaking into the Westminster major-party lock.

Previous leaders

• Caroline Lucas (2008–2012) – the party’s first MP and a prominent national voice on climate – Wikipedia – Green Party leadership history.
• Natalie Bennett (2012–2016) – led the party to its best general election result in 2015 – Wikipedia – Green Party leadership history.
• Jonathan Bartley and Siân Berry (co-leaders 2018–2021) – introduced the co-leadership model – Wikipedia – Green Party leadership history.

Why this matters: the Green Party of England and Wales has cycled through different leadership structures, from solo to co-leadership and back, reflecting internal debates about governance.

How many Green Party TDs are there?

Current number of TDs

• As of 2024, the Green Party holds 12 seats in Dáil Éireann – Green Party Ireland Facebook page.
• This is the party’s highest number of TDs in its history, achieved in the 2020 general election.
• The party’s first TD was Roger Garland, elected in 1989 – Britannica.

The implication: 12 TDs gives the Green Party a strong bargaining position in coalition negotiations, but it remains a junior partner in the current government.

List of Green Party TDs

Among the current TDs are Roderic O’Gorman (Dublin West), Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown), and Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South), each holding ministerial or senior roles. The party’s TD count is double its previous high, reflecting growing public support for green policies.

Who are the Green Party councillors in Ireland?

Number of councillors

• The party has approximately 46 councillors across Ireland’s local authorities (2024) – Green Party Ireland Facebook page.
• This represents a steady increase from about 30 councillors in 2019.

The pattern: local government is where the Green Party builds its grassroots base, with many TDs first serving as councillors.

Notable councillors and local government impact

Councillors focus on climate adaptation, active travel, and sustainable housing. Their presence has pushed cities like Dublin and Cork to declare climate emergencies and adopt more ambitious emissions targets. Why this matters: the councillor network acts as a farm team for future TDs and sustains the party’s relevance between general elections.

This clarity helps voters understand the current state of Green Party leadership across the two nations.

Quotes from party leaders

“Leading the change for a greener, fairer future.”

Green Party Ireland Facebook page

“We are committed to climate justice and social equality – that’s the core of our co-leadership vision.”

Green Party of England and Wales – Our People

“The Green Party has grown from a small ecology movement to a party that shapes government policy.”

Britannica – Green Party (Ireland)

For voters in Ireland, the choice at the next general election will be between a party with 12 TDs and a clear climate agenda, led by O’Gorman, and larger parties with less focus on environmental policy. For the Green Party in England, Polanski’s leadership will be tested in local elections and the next general election, where the party aims to grow its four MPs. For the Greens in both jurisdictions, the implication is clear: leadership changes bring strategic opportunities, but the core challenge of translating public concern into parliamentary power remains.

For a closer look at one of the party’s newest MPs, Hannah Spencers profile details her background and historic by-election win.

Frequently asked questions

For more political analysis, see Mr Bates vs the Post Office: True Story & Latest Updates and House to Rent Near Me: Guide to Affordable Rentals in Ireland.