Mothin Ali challenges Greens’ ‘middle class’ image as he enters deputy race

Leeds councillor, who made headlines by intervening in 2024 riots, says climate crisis and cost of living face all races and classes

A Green councillor who intervened to stop rioters and received death threats for vocal support for Gaza is running to replace Zack Polanski as deputy leader of the party.

Mothin Ali, of Gipton and Harehills ward in Leeds – a former Labour stronghold – said he wanted to champion working-class communities, challenge the idea of the Greens as a “middle-class party” and ensure it represents “a diverse Britain increasingly threatened by the far right”.