The Green Party said Labour is too closely aligned with Reform UK as its Bournemouth conference begins. New leader Zack Polanski is due to set out a policy package ahead of May local elections, including proposals to tax the assets of the wealthiest 1% to help reduce bills and fund public services. He is expected to say the Greens want to build a country that everyone can afford to live in.

Polanski is expected to frame Labour as courting Reform’s agenda and suggest Labour responds to political stances rather than voters’ interests. He will stress that migrants and refugees are not Britain’s problem but part of what makes the country, and he will argue that the longer-term threats to high streets, homes and the NHS stem from decades of austerity, privatisation and rules that favour billionaires.

As the three-day gathering in Bournemouth continues, Polanski will warn that hateful and divisive politics is on the ballot this May and that only the Greens offer hope. He will reiterate that the party will work to reduce bills, cut the cost of living and defend the NHS, while taxing the wealthiest and investing in public services that work for everyone. Officials noted that party membership has risen by around a fifth since his leadership win over MPs Adrian Ramsey and Ellie Chowns.