Hazel Chu elected Green deputy leader

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

Dublin City councillor Hazel Chu has been elected as the deputy leader of the Green Party.

Ms Chu was successful over Louth County Councillor Marianne Butler, having secured 63 per cent of the vote.

She takes over the position vacated by Roisin Garvey, who resigned in October.

Ms Chu said: “Members were clear: they want a Green Party that speaks plainly, organises relentlessly, and delivers real change.

“My job now is to turn that mandate into momentum.

“The future of the Green Party is about rebuilding and reinvigorating, rooted in our values, serious about power, and focused on outcomes for people and the planet.

“We will be a party that sets the agenda, not one that reacts to it.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with Roderic O’Gorman our leader, Malcolm Noonan our senator, Janet Horner our chair and with our councillors, representatives, our members and activists across the island of Ireland.”

All paid-up members with six month’s standing were entitled to vote in this election.

Mr O’Gorman said: “I am really looking forward to working with Hazel in her role as new deputy leader.

“She has huge experience through her many years service on Dublin City Council and through the leadership roles she has previously held in the Green Party.”

He also paid tribute to Ms Butler, who said: “Although the result is not what I hoped for, I congratulate Hazel on her election as deputy leader of our party.”

Ms Chu was born and raised in Dublin, where she lives in Ranelagh with her partner and former party TD Patrick Costello and their daughter Alex.

She served as lord mayor of Dublin from 2020 to 2021.