Green Party Candidate Criticized for Vehicle Choice

A Green Party candidate running in local elections in South London is facing accusations of hypocrisy for driving a large Mercedes diesel SUV. This comes despite the party’s well-known opposition to polluting vehicles.

'Dieselgate' Activist Drives Diesel Vehicle

Adam Kamenetzky, a candidate for Wandsworth Council, has used the diesel SUV for eight years. He is also a prominent campaigner in the ‘dieselgate’ legal saga, seeking accountability from car manufacturers accused of cheating on emissions tests.

Party's Stance on Polluting Vehicles

The Green Party has committed to banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars within three years, advocating for electric vehicles, cycling, walking, and public transport. This makes Kamenetzky’s vehicle choice particularly controversial.

Candidate's Explanation and Background

Kamenetzky, an activist researcher focused on racial inequality, has been vocal about the alleged deception of car manufacturers. He owns a 2.1L Mercedes M-Class, which he uses as a family car daily.

When approached by the Daily Mail, Kamenetzky declined to comment. He claims he cannot afford a new car and has been focused on the ongoing High Court case.

Conservative Criticism

Local Conservatives have criticized Kamenetzky and the Green Party, accusing them of hypocrisy. Despite his involvement in the ‘dieselgate’ lawsuit, he has not switched to an electric vehicle.

Candidate's Platform and Personal Life

Kamenetzky actively campaigns for a “more compassionate and inclusive approach” to local politics. He emphasizes his passion for health, the environment, racial justice, and the arts, aiming to “make hope normal” in the Furzedown Ward.

The ‘dieselgate’ scandal involves allegations that manufacturers used illegal software to manipulate emissions tests. Kamenetzky purchased his Mercedes ML250 in 2018, two years after Mercedes was first implicated in the scandal.

Beyond politics, Kamenetzky is a violinist in ‘Basement Orchestra’, and his wife, Lizzie, is a cookbook author.

Wandsworth Council Elections

The Green Party is actively campaigning in Wandsworth, aiming to unseat the Labour party, which gained control of the council from the Conservatives in 2022. This incident is one of several controversies involving Green Party candidates leading up to the local elections.