Newscast

The Newscast discussion began with a London by-election in which Green leader Zack Polanski came second, though the Greens described it as a big success because of a large swing from Labour. It noted criticism from senior Green voices over a conference motion that Zionism is racism, which passed by 1,022 votes to 813 with about 1,800 members voting out of around 220,000 to 230,000. The chair of the Jewish Greens said she did not have confidence in Polanski and that he should apologise or resign. The Green Party's Westminster leader said a policy made by 0.4% of members showed something was not working, and former leader Caroline Lucas suggested the constitution needed changing. Polanski pointed to increased membership and the vote, and was described as safe for now depending on whether he could unite the party, with a possible leadership challenge next year.

The programme then turned to London politics with Jim Waterson. It noted that Labour holds 59 of London's 75 parliamentary constituencies, that the Conservatives performed relatively well in recent London local elections and have aimed policies at wealthy southeast voters, and that they were polling at 13% in London. The Greens did well in May's local elections and were said to be considering focusing resources on areas where they won councils, including north and east London and parts of inner south London. The discussion covered the London mayor's limited powers over TfL and some housing, Andy Burnham's plans for more devolution, housing and rental pressures, rent controls, and the Renters Rights Act. It said the next mayoral election is in May 2028, with an assumption Sadiq Khan will not run again and a selection campaign underway; Sir James Cleverly wants to be the Conservative candidate, Reform's Laila Cunningham was mentioned, and the supplementary vote system would require broad coalitions.