THE ‘Zionism is racism’ Green Party has started canvassing in Wellington for one of its candidates in next year’s Somerset Council elections.

But, it has immediately run into controversy after Wellington West candidate Cal Glennie associated himself closely with Transition Town Wellington (TTW).

Mr Glennie said in his leaflet: “Transition Town has been an amazing force for good in Wellington with events catering to everybody, connecting our town with the amazing nature around us.

“The community garden has been amazing for me.

“Spending three hours every week working with the community is an experience I recommend for everybody.”

Transition Town Wellington has issued a public denial of any involvement with the Green Party after an election candidate promoted his association with the group.
Transition Town Wellington has issued a public denial of any involvement with the Green Party after an election candidate promoted his association with the group. (Tindle News)

Mr Glennie urged people to become involved with TTW and publicised its online calendar of events.

However, TTW this week issued a statement dissociating itself from Mr Glennie, whom it said had not asked permission to include the group in his election literature.

A TTW spokesperson said: “It is important to make it publicly known this inclusion of TTW in the Green Party flier was done without any consultation.

“If TTW had been consulted in advance, we would have declined permission.

“By law, charities are not allowed to be engaged in campaigns in association with political parties.

“As a registered charity, TTW has no party political affiliation and to have such affiliation would be a breach of Charity Commission rules.

“TTW trustees have made this position clear to the Western Somerset Green Party and are taking action to correct any public misconception that may arise concerning TTW and party political affiliation.”

Leaflets delivered to homes in the town declared Mr Glennie to be the ‘Green Party local candidate’ and showed photographs of him apparently in Wellington.

However, the Wellington Weekly has not received a response from Mr Glennie’s email address, the Instagram account he gave could not be found, and there was no trace of him on the party’s regional website.