Sian Berry is to stand down as Green Party co-leader because of the party’s “mixed messages” on trans rights.

Her move comes just over a week after co-leader Jonathan Bartley said he would step down at the end of July, sparking a leadership contest in the autumn.

Ms Berry, who has been in the role since 2018, said she would remain in place during that contest but would not stand as a candidate.

The pair were elected on a joint ticket three years ago, succeeding Caroline Lucas, the party’s sole MP.

“I have been considering my position as co-leader since the decision was made to announce our new front bench spokespeople,” Ms Berry said in a statement.

“And though I will stay on as acting leader through the leadership by-election, I am writing today to say that I have decided not to stand as a candidate in that by-election.”

Ms Berry, who is a member of the London Assembly, said it had been “incredibly rewarding” working with Mr Bartley and expressed her pride at the progress the party has made in recent years.

But despite this, the 47-year-old said she could “no longer make the claim that the party speaks unequivocally, with one voice” on the issue of “trans rights and inclusion”.

Ms Berry said there was now an “inconsistency” between her own stance and that of the party in the wake of the selection of new frontbench representatives.

A personal statement from me on the upcoming Green Party leadership by-election.

Read as pdf here, and find alt text in images: https://t.co/uG1Ah0HC5V pic.twitter.com/PXN8sII1pp

“I must stand by our policies and my pledges made to Londoners in the recent election, and there is now an inconsistency between the sincere promise to fight for trans rights and inclusion in my work and the message sent by the party’s choice of front bench representatives.

“This inconsistency has left me in a very difficult position. I can no longer make the claim that the party speaks unequivocally, with one voice, on this issue.

“And my conscience simply cannot agree with the argument that there is anything positive in sending these mixed messages, especially when the inclusive attitudes of our membership and wider society are clear.

“Failing to win the confidence of a majority of my colleagues to reflect these is also a failure of leadership.

“Green leaders do not hold power but we do have a duty to influence, so I must apologise to you all for this failure and hold myself to account.”

It’s been amazing to have worked with you these last few years. You have been truly inspirational and we all owe you a huge debt of gratitude for everything you have done. 💚 https://t.co/oTAPlNGf15

Ms Berry urged party members to consider whether the Greens would “continue to embrace the principles of listening and solidarity when minority groups are singled out for attack” when selecting a new leadership team.

Mr Bartley said in a message on Twitter that it had been “amazing” to work with Ms Berry.

“You have been truly inspirational and we all owe you a huge debt of gratitude for everything you have done,” he said.

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