Latest news with #Ramsay
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
As Healthscope's fate looms, Lake Macquarie Private Hospital is expanding
Consumer law won't allow Ramsay Health Care to buy the up-for-sale Newcastle Private Hospital. So said Lake Macquarie Private Hospital CEO Sharon Rewitt when asked about the prospect. "The ACCC wouldn't easily give us another hospital in the Hunter. It doesn't like anyone to dominate completely," Ms Rewitt said. "We already have a big footprint here." Ramsay owns Lake Macquarie and Warners Bay private hospitals, and officially opened a $20 million surgical centre in Charlestown earlier this month. A $45 million, six-storey expansion of Lake Macquarie Private at Gateshead gained state planning approval in May. An earlier plan for a $120 million, 10-storey tower was also approved. Given the volatility of the market, Ramsay is considering when and how to proceed. However, a concussion clinic and stroke unit have been established and the oncology unit has expanded at the Gateshead site. Newcastle Private is among the 37 hospitals owned by Healthscope, which is in receivership and expected to be broken up. It was reported this week that Ramsay was among nine parties to express interest in Healthscope hospitals. "Ramsay has publicly said we would be interested in some of the hospitals in areas where we are not," Ms Rewitt said. She said the private health sector in Newcastle was "a very competitive environment". "People are a lot more discerning now. They have information. "They can say, 'I don't want to go to that hospital because I don't think they're good. I want to go to this hospital'." The cost of surgery and seeing specialists in the private sector has come under scrutiny. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said in March that the Albanese government would upgrade the Medical Costs Finder website. The website will display the average fee charged by specialists, including surgery prices, alongside the national average. Mr Butler said the cost of medical and hospital services was "a key driver of health inflation for consumers". He said this fed into "higher out-of-pocket costs and higher private health insurance premiums". Ms Rewitt said labour and supply costs had "gone up significantly and remain challenging". "Post-COVID, nothing really returned to normal. Over the last few years, there's definitely been an erosion of margins," she said. Private hospitals have been locked in a battle with health insurers for higher payments to cover the rising costs of treating patients. In March, Mr Butler threatened health insurers with "regulatory action" if they did not take "immediate steps" to boost funding to private hospitals. Asked if her hospital had experienced a boost, Ms Rewitt said "we have". "We're still in negotiations with a few of the insurers." She said the price of surgeries was "dictated by what we get from the health funds". "They say to us, this is what you'll get for this and that service." The federal health department states that "doctors set their own fees for private medical services". "Many doctors and insurers use gap arrangements to remove or reduce your gap payment. "Fees for the same type and quality of care might vary, depending on who you see and where they are located." Ms Rewitt said the healthcare sector must "find new ways of doing things". "People are getting older and living much longer. They live with lots of comorbidities." She said there was a lot of change and opportunity ahead. "We do a lot more work now with robotics. Patients spend a lot less time in hospital. They recover better. "The question then is, what resources are available after they've left the hospital." Consumer law won't allow Ramsay Health Care to buy the up-for-sale Newcastle Private Hospital. So said Lake Macquarie Private Hospital CEO Sharon Rewitt when asked about the prospect. "The ACCC wouldn't easily give us another hospital in the Hunter. It doesn't like anyone to dominate completely," Ms Rewitt said. "We already have a big footprint here." Ramsay owns Lake Macquarie and Warners Bay private hospitals, and officially opened a $20 million surgical centre in Charlestown earlier this month. A $45 million, six-storey expansion of Lake Macquarie Private at Gateshead gained state planning approval in May. An earlier plan for a $120 million, 10-storey tower was also approved. Given the volatility of the market, Ramsay is considering when and how to proceed. However, a concussion clinic and stroke unit have been established and the oncology unit has expanded at the Gateshead site. Newcastle Private is among the 37 hospitals owned by Healthscope, which is in receivership and expected to be broken up. It was reported this week that Ramsay was among nine parties to express interest in Healthscope hospitals. "Ramsay has publicly said we would be interested in some of the hospitals in areas where we are not," Ms Rewitt said. She said the private health sector in Newcastle was "a very competitive environment". "People are a lot more discerning now. They have information. "They can say, 'I don't want to go to that hospital because I don't think they're good. I want to go to this hospital'." The cost of surgery and seeing specialists in the private sector has come under scrutiny. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said in March that the Albanese government would upgrade the Medical Costs Finder website. The website will display the average fee charged by specialists, including surgery prices, alongside the national average. Mr Butler said the cost of medical and hospital services was "a key driver of health inflation for consumers". He said this fed into "higher out-of-pocket costs and higher private health insurance premiums". Ms Rewitt said labour and supply costs had "gone up significantly and remain challenging". "Post-COVID, nothing really returned to normal. Over the last few years, there's definitely been an erosion of margins," she said. Private hospitals have been locked in a battle with health insurers for higher payments to cover the rising costs of treating patients. In March, Mr Butler threatened health insurers with "regulatory action" if they did not take "immediate steps" to boost funding to private hospitals. Asked if her hospital had experienced a boost, Ms Rewitt said "we have". "We're still in negotiations with a few of the insurers." She said the price of surgeries was "dictated by what we get from the health funds". "They say to us, this is what you'll get for this and that service." The federal health department states that "doctors set their own fees for private medical services". "Many doctors and insurers use gap arrangements to remove or reduce your gap payment. "Fees for the same type and quality of care might vary, depending on who you see and where they are located." Ms Rewitt said the healthcare sector must "find new ways of doing things". "People are getting older and living much longer. They live with lots of comorbidities." She said there was a lot of change and opportunity ahead. "We do a lot more work now with robotics. Patients spend a lot less time in hospital. They recover better. "The question then is, what resources are available after they've left the hospital." Consumer law won't allow Ramsay Health Care to buy the up-for-sale Newcastle Private Hospital. So said Lake Macquarie Private Hospital CEO Sharon Rewitt when asked about the prospect. "The ACCC wouldn't easily give us another hospital in the Hunter. It doesn't like anyone to dominate completely," Ms Rewitt said. "We already have a big footprint here." Ramsay owns Lake Macquarie and Warners Bay private hospitals, and officially opened a $20 million surgical centre in Charlestown earlier this month. A $45 million, six-storey expansion of Lake Macquarie Private at Gateshead gained state planning approval in May. An earlier plan for a $120 million, 10-storey tower was also approved. Given the volatility of the market, Ramsay is considering when and how to proceed. However, a concussion clinic and stroke unit have been established and the oncology unit has expanded at the Gateshead site. Newcastle Private is among the 37 hospitals owned by Healthscope, which is in receivership and expected to be broken up. It was reported this week that Ramsay was among nine parties to express interest in Healthscope hospitals. "Ramsay has publicly said we would be interested in some of the hospitals in areas where we are not," Ms Rewitt said. She said the private health sector in Newcastle was "a very competitive environment". "People are a lot more discerning now. They have information. "They can say, 'I don't want to go to that hospital because I don't think they're good. I want to go to this hospital'." The cost of surgery and seeing specialists in the private sector has come under scrutiny. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said in March that the Albanese government would upgrade the Medical Costs Finder website. The website will display the average fee charged by specialists, including surgery prices, alongside the national average. Mr Butler said the cost of medical and hospital services was "a key driver of health inflation for consumers". He said this fed into "higher out-of-pocket costs and higher private health insurance premiums". Ms Rewitt said labour and supply costs had "gone up significantly and remain challenging". "Post-COVID, nothing really returned to normal. Over the last few years, there's definitely been an erosion of margins," she said. Private hospitals have been locked in a battle with health insurers for higher payments to cover the rising costs of treating patients. In March, Mr Butler threatened health insurers with "regulatory action" if they did not take "immediate steps" to boost funding to private hospitals. Asked if her hospital had experienced a boost, Ms Rewitt said "we have". "We're still in negotiations with a few of the insurers." She said the price of surgeries was "dictated by what we get from the health funds". "They say to us, this is what you'll get for this and that service." The federal health department states that "doctors set their own fees for private medical services". "Many doctors and insurers use gap arrangements to remove or reduce your gap payment. "Fees for the same type and quality of care might vary, depending on who you see and where they are located." Ms Rewitt said the healthcare sector must "find new ways of doing things". "People are getting older and living much longer. They live with lots of comorbidities." She said there was a lot of change and opportunity ahead. "We do a lot more work now with robotics. Patients spend a lot less time in hospital. They recover better. "The question then is, what resources are available after they've left the hospital." Consumer law won't allow Ramsay Health Care to buy the up-for-sale Newcastle Private Hospital. So said Lake Macquarie Private Hospital CEO Sharon Rewitt when asked about the prospect. "The ACCC wouldn't easily give us another hospital in the Hunter. It doesn't like anyone to dominate completely," Ms Rewitt said. "We already have a big footprint here." Ramsay owns Lake Macquarie and Warners Bay private hospitals, and officially opened a $20 million surgical centre in Charlestown earlier this month. A $45 million, six-storey expansion of Lake Macquarie Private at Gateshead gained state planning approval in May. An earlier plan for a $120 million, 10-storey tower was also approved. Given the volatility of the market, Ramsay is considering when and how to proceed. However, a concussion clinic and stroke unit have been established and the oncology unit has expanded at the Gateshead site. Newcastle Private is among the 37 hospitals owned by Healthscope, which is in receivership and expected to be broken up. It was reported this week that Ramsay was among nine parties to express interest in Healthscope hospitals. "Ramsay has publicly said we would be interested in some of the hospitals in areas where we are not," Ms Rewitt said. She said the private health sector in Newcastle was "a very competitive environment". "People are a lot more discerning now. They have information. "They can say, 'I don't want to go to that hospital because I don't think they're good. I want to go to this hospital'." The cost of surgery and seeing specialists in the private sector has come under scrutiny. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said in March that the Albanese government would upgrade the Medical Costs Finder website. The website will display the average fee charged by specialists, including surgery prices, alongside the national average. Mr Butler said the cost of medical and hospital services was "a key driver of health inflation for consumers". He said this fed into "higher out-of-pocket costs and higher private health insurance premiums". Ms Rewitt said labour and supply costs had "gone up significantly and remain challenging". "Post-COVID, nothing really returned to normal. Over the last few years, there's definitely been an erosion of margins," she said. Private hospitals have been locked in a battle with health insurers for higher payments to cover the rising costs of treating patients. In March, Mr Butler threatened health insurers with "regulatory action" if they did not take "immediate steps" to boost funding to private hospitals. Asked if her hospital had experienced a boost, Ms Rewitt said "we have". "We're still in negotiations with a few of the insurers." She said the price of surgeries was "dictated by what we get from the health funds". "They say to us, this is what you'll get for this and that service." The federal health department states that "doctors set their own fees for private medical services". "Many doctors and insurers use gap arrangements to remove or reduce your gap payment. "Fees for the same type and quality of care might vary, depending on who you see and where they are located." Ms Rewitt said the healthcare sector must "find new ways of doing things". "People are getting older and living much longer. They live with lots of comorbidities." She said there was a lot of change and opportunity ahead. "We do a lot more work now with robotics. Patients spend a lot less time in hospital. They recover better. "The question then is, what resources are available after they've left the hospital."
Business Insider
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
I compared dinner for 2 at Gordon Ramsay's steakhouse chain and a 113-year-old steakhouse. One was much better value.
I had dinner for two at Gordon Ramsay Steak and a 113-year-old steakhouse in Atlantic City. The Knife and Fork Inn in Atlantic City offered a better experience and value. I would go back to both, but would recommend the historic steakhouse over the celebrity-chef chain. I dined at Gordon Ramsay Steak and an iconic, century-old steakhouse in Atlantic City, and the contrast between them was as sharp as a steak knife. Gordon Ramsay's celebrity-chef steak restaurant delivered on classic steakhouse favorites, from its wedge salad to the sleek, elevated decor you'd expect from a high-class steakhouse. But once the bill arrived, I couldn't help but wonder if the experience was worth the steep price tag, especially when it came down to the steak I ordered. I also ate at the 113-year-old Knife and Fork Inn, which felt like stepping into a time capsule of old-school steakhouses, with its wood-paneled walls, white tablecloths, and decadent yet well-priced steaks and sides. Here's how the experiences at Gordon Ramsay Steak and the Knife and Fork Inn compared, and which one was a better value. It was relatively easy to get a reservation at Gordon Ramsay Steak. We made our reservation about a week ahead of time for 7 p.m. on a Wednesday. Since it was midweek and booked decently in advance, we had no trouble securing a prime dinner slot for two. The restaurant was located on the second floor of Harrah's Resort. Thanks to the multiple neon signs outside the restaurant, it was easy enough to spot. We waited a few minutes for our table to be ready, then were shown inside by one of the hostesses. It was pretty quiet in the dining room, but we were also eating there during the week. We were seated at a spacious booth, giving us plenty of room for two. The dining room blended cozy and modern touches, with earth-tone greens and blues accented by pops of red. Luxe leather seating and candlelit tables added a romantic feel, while ample overhead lighting ensured the space was bright enough to easily read the menu. We both ordered drinks from the specialty cocktail menu. I ordered the Supersonic G&T ($18), which is Ramsay's version of a classic gin and tonic. My cocktail featured yuzu, grapefruit syrup, and grapefruit juice, giving it a slightly sweeter, more vibrant twist on the classic cocktail. I found it light and refreshing, and it paired well with everything we ate. My friend went with the British Culprit ($18), the restaurant's rum-based spin on an espresso martini. It was sweet without being creamy — exactly how she prefers it. After a long day of traveling from New York to Atlantic City, she called it the "perfect pick-me-up." We started with two complimentary house rolls and butter. The rolls arrived warm with a light sprinkle of salt, and the butter was perfectly softened for easy spreading. The bread had a hint of sweetness, and while the butter itself was less than flavorful, we appreciated having something to nibble on while we waited for the rest of our meal. We consulted with our waiter on the most popular appetizers. He recommended the smoked wagyu beef tartare. Our waiter mentioned that the beef tartare ($30) was smoked to enhance its flavor even further. As a big fan of this classic French dish, I couldn't resist ordering it to see how it compared to others I've tried. The tartare, made with lemon zest, red onion, capers, and a quail egg yolk, was served with Yukon Gold potato chips. This was easily one of the best beef tartares I've had — and that includes trips to Paris. The high-quality beef was packed with flavor: salty, savory, and infused with just the right amount of smoke. At $30, though, the portion felt small. It was enough for two to share, but likely underwhelming for a larger group. The potato chips added some nice crunch, but felt a bit out of place alongside such a refined dish. I would've preferred crispy bread instead. For our second course, we split the wedge salad. The market wedge salad ($18) was beautifully presented. Two baby iceberg heads were generously coated in a creamy Stilton blue cheese dressing and topped with red onions. The plate was also smeared with extra dressing underneath, so every bite was packed with flavor. The crisp iceberg lettuce paired perfectly with smoky applewood bacon, while the heirloom tomatoes and English cucumber added fresh, bright contrast to the rest of the dish. If you love blue cheese, this salad is a must-order. My friend ordered the branzino as her main dish. The pan-seared branzino ($59) was served with rock shrimp, artichokes, Kalamata olives, shaved fennel, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon broth. The branzino stood out with its strong Mediterranean influence, a refreshing contrast to the restaurant's British classics like beef Wellington and roast chicken. Served over a flavorful mix of Kalamata olives, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes, the dish was bold yet light. The fish had perfectly crisp skin and tender flesh, resting atop a stew-like base that could easily be eaten with a spoon. As my friend put it, it tasted like a delicious "ecosystem" of Mediterranean flavor. It was satisfying without being too heavy. For my entrée, I ordered the most expensive steak à la carte on the menu. I ordered the 8-ounce American wagyu filet. At $120, it's both the most expensive cut of steak and the most expensive item on the restaurant's menu. There's also a triple-seared Japanese A5 steak on the menu, which was priced per ounce, but I ordered the most expensive based on the à la carte price listed on the menu. I ordered my steak medium-rare, which the waiter recommended. The steak wasn't what I expected for the high price. The steak was incredibly tender and flavorful, with a bold peppered crust and buttery, melt-in-your-mouth center, but it wasn't quite what I expected from a wagyu cut, especially in terms of marbling. At over $100, it came solo, aside from a bit of jus and whole-grain mustard. While undeniably delicious, I think I would've been just as satisfied with a more affordable cut like the New York strip ($80) or filet ($70). I'm not sure I'd order it again at that price. We finished our meal with two more cocktails. Keen to sample more cocktails from the menu, we both ordered spicy margaritas to gear up for a night out in Atlantic City. The Mayahuel margarita ($18) combined Patron silver tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime, passion fruit, and jalapeño, delivering a spicy, salty kick. It was the perfect finish to our meal and the ideal primer for a night out in the casino. After tax and tip, our bill at Gordon Ramsay Steak totaled $320 for two appetizers, two entrées, and four cocktails. Though more expensive than our usual dinner, I chose one of the priciest steak cuts, and the quality of the food definitely justified a return visit. However, after dining at a local steakhouse, I couldn't help feeling that I was really paying for the celebrity name at Gordon Ramsay Steak. We compared our experience at Gordon Ramsay Steak to the Knife and Fork Inn, a historic steakhouse in Atlantic City. The Knife & Fork Inn has been an Atlantic City institution since 1912, albeit with a somewhat scandalous history. It was originally opened by former Atlantic City mayor William Riddle and politician Louis Kuehnle as a private men's club and hangout for the two men and their cronies, the restaurant's website states. A "ladies' lounge" upstairs provided plenty of opportunity for sordid activities to happen. During Prohibition, the establishment continued to serve alcohol under the protection of notorious political boss Enoch "Nucky" Johnson, until a federal raid shut it down. Membership declined after the raid, and in 1927, the Latz family bought and transformed it into a public restaurant, hosting stars like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope. After a brief closure in the late '90s, the Dougherty family — who also own the local seafood restaurant Dock's Oyster House — restored the restaurant and brought back its Prohibition-era charm. We made our reservation for dinner on a Saturday night. When I tried to book the reservation about a week in advance, there were fewer times available than at Gordon Ramsay Steak. We ended up booking our table for two at 8:30 p.m., which is slightly later than prime dinner time. If you want to try The Knife and Fork Inn, you might want to book further in advance. When we arrived, the restaurant was filled with people waiting for tables or dining in one of its many dining rooms. Each dining room exuded a cozy, historic charm, enhanced by vaulted ceilings, elegant chandeliers, stained-glass windows, and murals that lined the walls. We started with two signature martinis. We both ordered the Tangled Up in Blue ($16), which is made with Stoli blueberry, Rockey's botanical liqueur, Dr. Mixer's blueberry elixir, limoncello, and sour. The cocktails were sweet with a strong blueberry flavor. For a girls' night out, they were also perfect for photos. We were also given two house rolls and butter. The bread rolls were warm and heartier than the ones from Gordon Ramsay Steak, and the butter was much creamier and easier to spread. They tasted more homemade, with a rich, grainy flavor that impressed us, especially for a complimentary house bread. To start, we ordered the cornmeal-crusted calamari. The cornmeal-crusted calamari ($13) came with pickled peppers and a Calabrian chili aioli. Though a totally different dish from the beef tartare at Gordon Ramsay's restaurant, we couldn't help but remark on how much we enjoyed it comparatively, and for more than half the price. The calamari was crunchy and packed with flavor. We absolutely devoured this appetizer. The cornmeal added a slightly sweet flavor, while the peppers added a brininess to the dish's overall flavor profile. The accompanying sauce added just the right amount of spice, taking this calamari to the next level. As a New Englander, I've had plenty of fried calamari in my day — and this was by far one of the best. We also split a classic wedge salad. The restaurant split the classic wedge salad ($13) into two, so we each received a half portion. Each of our portions was brimming with toppings, which included housemade blue cheese dressing, chopped tomato, and applewood bacon. We preferred this wedge salad over the one at Gordon Ramsay Steak. Not only was it an added level of service that the kitchen divided our salads into two, but we thought the classic wedge salad at The Knife and Fork Inn surpassed the celebrity chain in terms of flavor and value. For $13, we were blown away by this salad. Each portion was slightly smaller than the one at Gordon Ramsay Steak — this one appeared to only come with one full lettuce head compared to two — but it was still more than enough to fill us up. We also received way more toppings on this salad than the one at Gordon Ramsay Steak, and found them to be more flavorful. The bacon was crisp and smoky, and the dressing — which was plentiful — added a balanced yet savory tang to the dish. There were actual crumbles of blue cheese in the dressing, adding even more pungent flavor. We split one of the restaurant's 16-ounce steaks. Rather than ordering an 8-ounce steak each, we decided to order the 16-ounce prime sirloin ($54). It came with a side of sautéed Broccolini. The steak was unbelievably tender and cooked medium-rare, with a warm pink center. It had less of a crust than the filet, but we didn't mind that — it only added to how moist each bite was. As we sliced into it, we were immediately struck by how juicy it was — each cut released a burst of rich, savory juices that pooled onto the plate. It wasn't long before the steak was practically swimming in its own juices, making every bite moist and indulgent. For less than half the price of my steak at the celebrity-chef chain, this steak fed two people and was more flavorful. We saved money by splitting a steak instead of each ordering our own entrées, and both agreed we were absolutely stuffed. When it came down to the flavor and value of both steaks, I had to give the win to the cheaper cut. Sure, I'm no steak connoisseur, and I'm sure the wagyu steak I ordered from Gordon Ramsay's steakhouse was of a higher quality. That said, if all you're after is a tender, delicious steak, I'm not convinced you need to spend over $100 to get it. Great flavor and texture don't have to come with a triple-digit price tag. Thanks to the money we saved on the steak, we also ordered a side of goat cheese au gratin potatoes. The goat cheese au gratin potatoes ($8) were served in three perfectly portioned squares and dusted with chives. They were also made with onion, rosemary, and thyme, which gave the dish a distinct herbal flavor. The potatoes were creamy and a perfect accompaniment to the steak. The goat cheese flavor came through with a slightly sour edge, while the crispy, golden-brown outer layer provided a textural balance. When dragged through the steak's juices, it was a truly mouthwatering experience. This side dish felt both comforting and refined. As someone who loves to make au gratin potatoes for the holidays, it instantly transported me back to family meals and gave me a hit of nostalgia. The potatoes were a thoughtful twist on a classic that stood out, without overshadowing the main course or other appetizers. Thoroughly stuffed, we finished our meal with a second round of cocktails. We had to agree that the cocktails didn't quite measure up to the ones we were served at Gordon Ramsay Steak. I got the Ooo-Mami ($16), which is made with tequila blanco, Mamma Bella grapefruit cello, rose syrup, grapefruit soda, and lime. It was refreshing but a little too sweet. I preferred the spin on the gin and tonic at the other steakhouse. My friend ordered the Boardwalk Oaxacan ($16), made with Banhez mezcal, wild elderflower liqueur, sour, hot honey, and sparkling rosé. She said it was a touch too smoky and bitter for her tastes. With tip and tax, the total cost of our meal came to $201 for two appetizers, one entrée, a side dish, and four cocktails. While we only ordered one main dish to share, we felt it was more than enough food for two people — and at more than $100 less than the cost of our meal at Gordon Ramsay Steak, it was also the better deal. Between the tender, well-portioned steak, delicious apps, and luxurious but never stuffy atmosphere, I'm eager to book my next Atlantic City dinner reservation at The Knife and Fork Inn.
Powys County Times
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Green Party leadership candidates accuse Polanski of using ‘polarising' language
Candidates on a joint ticket for the Green Party's leadership have accused their opponent of using divisive language and threatening progress made by the party in the last year. Ellie Chowns and Adrian Ramsay, who both became MPs last year when the Green Party achieved its best general election results, said Zack Polanski would risk the party losing support it has gained. The co-leadership contenders did not give specific examples of 'polarising' language he had used. Former Green Party leader and MP Caroline Lucas said Ms Chowns and Mr Ramsay's membership of the House of Commons gave them more authority compared with Mr Polanski. They represent North Herefordshire, and Waveney Valley in East Anglia, respectively. They are standing against Mr Polanski, the party's deputy leader and a member of the London Assembly. He has previously told the Guardian his bid would be focused on transforming the Greens into an 'eco-populism' mass movement. The Green Party had four MPs elected in July 2024, its highest number. Meanwhile, the party has more than 850 councillors after May's local elections, also a record total. Voting in the leadership contest will open on Friday. The result will be announced on September 2. The election was called after Carla Denyer (Bristol Central) announced her decision not to stand again in May. Ms Chowns said: 'As the current Labour government balances the books on the backs of the poorest, and backslides on its commitments to counter climate breakdown, it's crucially important that the Green Party keeps its distinctive identity as the only party in British politics with climate and environment front and centre. 'To win under first-past-the-post, we have to connect with a wide range of voters. We do that not through polarising language that appeals only to a narrow segment, but with the language of fairness, compassion and hope for a thriving, sustainable future.' She added voters had indicated they would be more willing to back the Green Party than the new party which is being set up by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana. 'Polling by YouGov shows that people who voted for all the other parties in 2024 are much more likely to consider voting Green next time than for a Corbyn-led party, and our ability to keep winning over voters from every other party is a huge strength in an increasingly crowded political landscape,' she said. Ms Lucas, who represented Brighton Pavilion for 14 years until last year, said: 'It's a huge advantage for our party to be led by people who are holding the Government to account every day of the week in Parliament, with the mandate that comes from being an elected MP. 'It reminds voters that the Green Party is a serious political party winning power at every level, as well as being part of the wider environmental and social justice movement.' Mr Ramsay, who has been co-leader with Ms Denyer since 2021, said: 'In recent years we've had unprecedented success, doubling our councillor numbers and winning four new Green MPs. 'This has come from a laser-like focus on elections, and from successfully building trust and sustained support in communities all across the country. 'Building that level of trust with voters is a massive achievement and, with the two-party system now clearly finished, it puts us in an excellent position to make much bigger gains. 'Ellie and I are hugely ambitious for the future of the party. We can't be complacent about the Green Party's hard-won credibility. 'As more and more people align with our values and vision, that credibility and wide appeal is what will enable us to play a central role in the future of British politics.'
Leader Live
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Leader Live
Green Party leadership candidates accuse Polanski of using ‘polarising' language
Ellie Chowns and Adrian Ramsay, who both became MPs last year when the Green Party achieved its best general election results, said Zack Polanski would risk the party losing support it has gained. The co-leadership contenders did not give specific examples of 'polarising' language he had used. Former Green Party leader and MP Caroline Lucas said Ms Chowns and Mr Ramsay's membership of the House of Commons gave them more authority compared with Mr Polanski. They represent North Herefordshire, and Waveney Valley in East Anglia, respectively. They are standing against Mr Polanski, the party's deputy leader and a member of the London Assembly. He has previously told the Guardian his bid would be focused on transforming the Greens into an 'eco-populism' mass movement. The Green Party had four MPs elected in July 2024, its highest number. Meanwhile, the party has more than 850 councillors after May's local elections, also a record total. Voting in the leadership contest will open on Friday. The result will be announced on September 2. The election was called after Carla Denyer (Bristol Central) announced her decision not to stand again in May. Ms Chowns said: 'As the current Labour government balances the books on the backs of the poorest, and backslides on its commitments to counter climate breakdown, it's crucially important that the Green Party keeps its distinctive identity as the only party in British politics with climate and environment front and centre. 'To win under first-past-the-post, we have to connect with a wide range of voters. We do that not through polarising language that appeals only to a narrow segment, but with the language of fairness, compassion and hope for a thriving, sustainable future.' She added voters had indicated they would be more willing to back the Green Party than the new party which is being set up by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana. 'Polling by YouGov shows that people who voted for all the other parties in 2024 are much more likely to consider voting Green next time than for a Corbyn-led party, and our ability to keep winning over voters from every other party is a huge strength in an increasingly crowded political landscape,' she said. Ms Lucas, who represented Brighton Pavilion for 14 years until last year, said: 'It's a huge advantage for our party to be led by people who are holding the Government to account every day of the week in Parliament, with the mandate that comes from being an elected MP. 'It reminds voters that the Green Party is a serious political party winning power at every level, as well as being part of the wider environmental and social justice movement.' Mr Ramsay, who has been co-leader with Ms Denyer since 2021, said: 'In recent years we've had unprecedented success, doubling our councillor numbers and winning four new Green MPs. 'This has come from a laser-like focus on elections, and from successfully building trust and sustained support in communities all across the country. 'Building that level of trust with voters is a massive achievement and, with the two-party system now clearly finished, it puts us in an excellent position to make much bigger gains. 'Ellie and I are hugely ambitious for the future of the party. We can't be complacent about the Green Party's hard-won credibility. 'As more and more people align with our values and vision, that credibility and wide appeal is what will enable us to play a central role in the future of British politics.' Mr Polanski has been contacted for comment.
North Wales Chronicle
21 hours ago
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Green Party leadership candidates accuse Polanski of using ‘polarising' language
Ellie Chowns and Adrian Ramsay, who both became MPs last year when the Green Party achieved its best general election results, said Zack Polanski would risk the party losing support it has gained. The co-leadership contenders did not give specific examples of 'polarising' language he had used. Former Green Party leader and MP Caroline Lucas said Ms Chowns and Mr Ramsay's membership of the House of Commons gave them more authority compared with Mr Polanski. They represent North Herefordshire, and Waveney Valley in East Anglia, respectively. They are standing against Mr Polanski, the party's deputy leader and a member of the London Assembly. He has previously told the Guardian his bid would be focused on transforming the Greens into an 'eco-populism' mass movement. The Green Party had four MPs elected in July 2024, its highest number. Meanwhile, the party has more than 850 councillors after May's local elections, also a record total. Voting in the leadership contest will open on Friday. The result will be announced on September 2. The election was called after Carla Denyer (Bristol Central) announced her decision not to stand again in May. Ms Chowns said: 'As the current Labour government balances the books on the backs of the poorest, and backslides on its commitments to counter climate breakdown, it's crucially important that the Green Party keeps its distinctive identity as the only party in British politics with climate and environment front and centre. 'To win under first-past-the-post, we have to connect with a wide range of voters. We do that not through polarising language that appeals only to a narrow segment, but with the language of fairness, compassion and hope for a thriving, sustainable future.' She added voters had indicated they would be more willing to back the Green Party than the new party which is being set up by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana. 'Polling by YouGov shows that people who voted for all the other parties in 2024 are much more likely to consider voting Green next time than for a Corbyn-led party, and our ability to keep winning over voters from every other party is a huge strength in an increasingly crowded political landscape,' she said. Ms Lucas, who represented Brighton Pavilion for 14 years until last year, said: 'It's a huge advantage for our party to be led by people who are holding the Government to account every day of the week in Parliament, with the mandate that comes from being an elected MP. 'It reminds voters that the Green Party is a serious political party winning power at every level, as well as being part of the wider environmental and social justice movement.' Mr Ramsay, who has been co-leader with Ms Denyer since 2021, said: 'In recent years we've had unprecedented success, doubling our councillor numbers and winning four new Green MPs. 'This has come from a laser-like focus on elections, and from successfully building trust and sustained support in communities all across the country. 'Building that level of trust with voters is a massive achievement and, with the two-party system now clearly finished, it puts us in an excellent position to make much bigger gains. 'Ellie and I are hugely ambitious for the future of the party. We can't be complacent about the Green Party's hard-won credibility. 'As more and more people align with our values and vision, that credibility and wide appeal is what will enable us to play a central role in the future of British politics.' Mr Polanski has been contacted for comment.
