The Kingston and Surbiton Green Party's local membership now exceeds 450 people, and party organisers say momentum is continuing to build.

Speaking to Kingston Nub News, Dr Debojyoti Das, a member of the Kingston and Surbiton Green Party, said the surge reflects a combination of national politics shifts and growing local dissatisfaction with the status quo.

"The growth in local membership reflects a convergence of national momentum and deep local frustration," he said. "Residents are experiencing the cost-of-living crisis, housing unaffordability, worsening traffic congestion and environmental decline in very concrete ways."

According to Dr Das, the Green Party's message that climate action, social justice and economic fairness are inseparable, is resonating strongly with residents.

He also pointed to political disillusionment as a key driver of change.

"In Kingston, the Liberal Democrats have been in power for over a decade and have failed to deliver on key promises around housing, the Kingfisher Leisure Centre and community wellbeing," he said.

"Across Britain, people are increasingly drawn to long-term thinking and genuine solutions to climate breakdown and inequality."

Dr Debojyoti Das (Right) says that the surge of local Green Party members in Kingston eflects a combination of national politics shifts and growing local dissatisfaction with the status quo (Image supplied)

This year, Kingston and Surbiton Greens are focusing on a mix of environmental and community-based issues.

These include protecting green spaces and biodiversity, tackling air pollution and promoting sustainable transport.

Housing is another major priority. The party says it supports affordable housing, redevelopment of brownfield sites, opposition to overdevelopment driven by private profit, stronger renters' rights and the protection of public services.

"A defining feature of Green politics is making clear that environmental policies improve everyday life, particularly for those under the most pressure," Dr Das said.

Kingston's membership growth mirrors a broader national rise for the Green Party. Dr Das believes this reflects a wider shift in British politics away from traditional party loyalties.

"Across the country, people are increasingly rejecting politics driven by fear or corporate interests," he said.

He added that recent national leadership and fundraising efforts have helped energise supporters and strengthen local campaigning capacity.

Despite rapid growth, the local party faces challenges. Turning new members into active campaigners and electoral success requires time, skills and coordination.

Funding also remains a constraint, with the Greens relying on grassroots donations rather than corporate backing.

Looking ahead, the Kingston and Surbiton Green Party hopes to field more candidates, win additional council seats and play a larger role in shaping local debates over the next two to three years.

"If current trends continue, Kingston can become a hub for community-led environmental and social action," Dr Das said. "This is what the Green Wave looks like– and Kingston is very much part of it."