STORY
Green councillor Kieran Dams has resigned as coordinator of his local Green Party following the decision by members to adopt the controversial “Zionism is Racism” motion. Dams, who represents Waterloo on Sefton Council, said he had devoted evenings and weekends to campaigning and organising for the party but could not remain silent when he believed something was wrong. He described himself as “genuinely gutted” by the decision to step down.
Dams had voted against the motion at the Green Party conference, although he stressed that he continued to condemn the actions of the Israeli Government and support Palestinian rights. He said his objection concerned the decision to define Zionism itself as racism and the possible consequences for Jewish people inside and outside the party. He had also supported an unsuccessful amendment intended to reaffirm opposition to antisemitism and protect Jewish members from exclusion or collective blame. The main motion was approved by 1,022 votes to 813.
Dams said he had received hundreds of abusive and threatening messages since speaking against the policy, adding that some were serious enough to be reported to the police. He encouraged other members who shared his concerns to speak publicly. His resignation is the latest sign of internal division following the conference decision, which was opposed by four of the party’s five MPs and has attracted criticism from Jewish organisations. Dams has not announced that he is leaving the Green Party or resigning as a councillor.