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THE Greens cancelled a controversial £1,000-a-head black-tie bash yesterday following angry protests from members.
The party planned to stage the posh dinner at a luxury London hotel later this month to raise cash for its biggest ever general election campaign.
Wealthy donors who gave at least £1,000 were offered an audience with leader Natalie Bennett, along with other “lead candidates and senior party figures.”
But organisers have bowed to pressure and abandoned the exclusive event — which costs twice as much as a standard ticket for the Tory’s infamous black and white ball.
In a statement, the Green Party said: “We are currently conducting a wide range of fundraising activities across our membership and supporters involving a variety of crowdfunding, appeals and events.
“As part of this basket of events we planned to hold a Green Tie dinner event for donors.
“After feedback from our membership, supporters and donors, the Green Party executive decided not proceed with this event.”
The “Green tie fundraiser” was called-off following reports that members of the party’s Green left group would picket the event if it went ahead.
And the Star revealed on Saturday that the Young Greens section sent a letter of protest to party’s executive.
More than 100 of the party’s most prominent young activists signed the letter, which branded the “deeply troubling” fundraiser a “betrayal” of the party’s values.
The party, whose campaign slogan is “for the common good,” was also charged with hypocrisy by opponents.
It responded yesterday by announcing that a “Wear Something Green thank you event” will be staged at the same venue for anyone who donates to its election fund.
More than 7,000 people have so far donated to its general election appeal, raising over half its £1,130,000 target — including £50,000 in the last four days.
The guest list for the alternative event will be decided at random by a lottery, the party said.
Celebrating the U-turn on social media, supporter Dana Burton wrote: “This is why I love the Green Party.
“It admits when it’s wrong, listens to its members and makes change for good.”
