THE leader of the Cornwall Green Party has jumped ship following the political group’s controversial calls for a one-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Newquay mayor and Tenance Cornwall councillor Drew Creek has left the Green Party and joined the Labour and Co-operative Party, blaming the Zionism is Racism motion passed at Green Party Conference and the failure of leadership of Zack Polanski.

He has written to Andy Keeling, the interim deputy chief executive of Cornwall Council, to inform him about his decision, which has been consented to by the leader of the Labour Group, Kate Ewert.

Cllr Creek said: “Leaving the Green Party isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly, and it’s one I never expected to make.

“I have huge respect for my Green colleagues in Newquay and across Cornwall and I count many of them as genuine friends.

“But the motion passed at conference crossed a line. I had hoped the Green Party would step back from it – but instead, Zack Polanski and the leadership has doubled down. I can’t stand behind that, and I won’t pretend otherwise. I didn’t leave the Green Party; the party left me.

“People in Newquay don’t want politicians driving division. They want someone who’ll fix the roads, protect our coast, fight for local services and bring people together. That’s the kind of politics I believe in and the kind of politics Andy Burnham has shown.

“Newquay is my home and where I am raising my family. I came into politics for one reason, to stand up for this town and the people in it. Labour is where I believe I can do that best, and I’m looking forward to getting on with the job.”

Cllr Ewert added: "It takes real courage to look honestly at your own party and say, ‘this isn't right for me anymore.’ Drew has done exactly that. His decision today highlights the serious questions about Zack Polanski’s leadership.

“I've worked with Drew since he was elected, and I've seen first-hand his commitment to the people he represents. This mirrors how we work in the Labour and Co-operative group and we look forward to working with him and delivering for the people of Cornwall.

“In politics, people should be judged by what they do, not just what they say. Joining Labour is a significant step, and it shows how serious Drew is about delivering for Cornwall and Newquay.”

Noah Law, MP for St Austell and Newquay, said: “In this period of polarised politics, it takes great courage to stand up for what you believe in. Having worked with Drew since my election, I have always found him to be steadfast in his beliefs, easy to work with, and a good advocate for Newquay.

“I welcome him to the local Labour team and thoroughly look forward to continuing our hard work for the betterment of everyone in Newquay and against policies which move us no closer to peace in the Middle East but drive further division in our communities.”