99-year-old Ipswich man's Green Party membership revoked

Eric Walker, who is also a D-day veteran, has been a member of the party for more than 50 years. 

His membership was suspended over comments he made regarding gender and attempting to give out the names of the people who make suspension decisions - which is against the party's policy.

While he refutes some of the alleged actions, he hopes the party would consider reinstating his membership before his 100th birthday, on February 6, 2025.

A Green Party spokesperson said: "We can’t comment on individual cases.

"But our governance bodies are in the process of reviewing some no-fault suspensions."

A party spokesperson said that they were looking into these claims. (Image:  Isabel Infantes/PA)In one of the accusations for his suspension, Mr Walker sent an email to people where he said there were different categories of transgender people.

He refutes the claims that his comments were transphobic and instead argues that he has made several contributions to transgender movements and struggles.

"To be accused of making transphobic statements  I cry loudly no," he added. 

“This is the most ironic part of this whole situation as I was the first person to release a film, back in 1978 that was sympathetic to the problems faced by trans people.

"Whilst the film reflects the cultural attitudes and language of the time it was made, the issues it raises are timeless.”

Mr Walker hopes his membership is reinstated before his 100th birthday. (Image: Eric Walker)

Mr Walker does however accept that he did make a mistake when attempting to reveal the name of certain members, but calls for this rule to be changed. 

He said; "The majority of members of the Regional Council's on-call team suspended me for saying I was prepared to reveal the names of this secret ‘jury’ which suspends people on very trivial grounds.

"Whilst hugely disappointed about my own suspension, what galls me the most is that the council keeps members in exiled purgatory indefinitely.

"They ensure we are cut off from any contact with the party, whilst also expecting us to keep our suspensions a secret.

“Reaching 100 years of age is quite a feat, and I am hoping that this blight on my character and my suspension from the Green Party will be lifted by the time my centenary arrives."