I hope he does stand: it is important to have a genuine contest and to debate the way ahead, and ultimately for the party to choose a direction through a democratic vote.

Darren Johnson AM is a strong possibility for Deputy Leader, as is Adrian Ramsay, the leader of our biggest Council group in Norwich, according to a blog by his fellow councillor Rupert Read. Peter Tatchell has been mentioned as a potential candidate too.

Last year, when I was looking at the opinions of people who had left the party, and why, many of them cited the lack of leadership and a formal leader as a reason they had left. They felt it signalled a lack of willingness to get on with the job of politics. Among the people they mentioned as potential leadership candidates was Siân Berry, as well as Caroline.

Some of the Young Greens are big fans of Peter Cranie as well.

The vote takes place this Autumn, and the result is announced after a count at Conference in London on 5–8 September.

But first, the candidates have to put their nominations in, so to encourage them to stand, I’ve put a poll here, asking not who you will vote for, but who you would like to see on the ballot paper.

I’ve included the names of some other prominent elected Greens, like Jean Lambert, Jenny Jones and Andy Cooper, but if anyone you want added is missing, just ask.

Please take the time to vote!