The Green Party’s co-leader has admitted previous perceptions her party was “too middle class” were “justified” – but claimed it is “really not the case anymore”.

Launching the Greens’ local election campaign in England and Wales on Tuesday, co-leader Carla Denyer was asked about the stigma that her party is too “middle class”.

“Oh the class thing, I can understand why that perception has existed, and maybe it was more justified in the past but it’s really not the case anymore,” she said.

Ms Denyer and fellow co-leader Adrian Ramsay also outlined the party’s plans to ease household bills amid the cost of living crisis, accusing the government of failing voters on the matter.

They also stressed the need for more action on climate change.

Voters in England, Wales and Scotland will go to the polls and elect local councillors on 5 May.

Unveiling their plans ahead of polling day, Ms Denyer and Mr Ramsey focused on the need for immediate help to be offered to people struggling with soaring household bills.

Economy ‘surged higher’ in March but risk to growth intensifies as firms raise prices

Ukraine horrors | Grant Shapps, Alicia Kearns & Andriy Klepikov

Cost of living crisis: Poverty data ‘somewhat misleading’ minister says after claim rising bills could put 400,000 children into crisis

They pledged insulation projects to reduce household’s energy needs, arguing people want “fairer, greener communities” and neighbourhoods with “almost zero emissions”.

Asked how the cost of living crisis was impacting her personally, Ms Denyer said: “I’m fairly lucky. My home is fairly well insulated so my bills haven’t gone up as much as some people.

“I’m still seeing it, it’s still noticeable. I’m having to look at my budgets every month to make sure that I can afford it.”

Meanwhile Mr Ramsay said no household should be left worrying about their next energy bill and called for the winter fuel payment to be given to everyone.

The Green Party has made gains in recent local elections, accruing 99 more seats in the last polls, but still has just one MP – Caroline Lucas.

The new leadership duo have promised to build on recent success in the upcoming elections.

Related posts:

28 people arrested after Rangers fans flout lockdown to celebrate title University students in England can return home over Easter – but are urged not to Hottest day of the year forecast with temperatures to hit 29C today – before thunderstorms end heatwave UK records another 7,742 COVID cases and three deaths ahead of roadmap announcement Former fire chief apologises to families of Manchester attack victims for failings Harry Maguire’s dad ‘shook up’ after suffering suspected broken ribs in Wembley ‘stampede’ Fresh arrest made over social media racist abuse of England footballers Job vacancies hit record high as post-pandemic labour market continues recovery Police offering £20,000 for information in hunt for suspected homophobic murderer – new images released Serial killer Stephen Port’s first victim may have been dead for more than a day before being found, inquest hears Train drivers threaten to strike over Night Tube, as Uber hikes London fares by 10% to woo new drivers ‘Idiots’: Climate activists reported to police after deflating tyres of 4x4s in Glasgow