Newly elected UK Green Party councillor Mohammad Baghdadi Khan posts video of himself cruising in a gas-guzzling Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, exposing blatant hypocrisy just days after campaigning on strict anti-fossil fuel promises.
Story Highlights
- Khan, elected in early May 2026 Greater Manchester local elections, uploaded the video May 8-10, showing him driving the high-emission supercar (299g/km CO2, 5.2L V10 engine).
- Video sparked immediate backlash for contradicting Green Party’s net-zero mandates and personal carbon footprint rules, with #GreenHypocrite trending and 5,000+ petition signatures.
- Green Party launched internal review; Khan deleted video, claimed car was loaned, promised to offset emissions, but faces deselection and protests at May 13 council meetings.
- Incident fits pattern of Green hypocrisy, including co-leader Carla Denyer’s 2023 flying and deputy Zack Polanski’s 2024 multiple cars, eroding voter trust.
- Experts warn of 10-15% vote drop for Greens, reinforcing “do as I say, not as I do” elite disconnect amid shared frustrations with unaccountable politicians.
Event Timeline and Core Facts
Mohammad Baghdadi Khan won election as Green Party councillor in Greater Manchester’s early May 2026 local elections. Voters propelled Greens forward amid Labour scandals and youth turnout. Days later, May 8-10, Khan posted social media video of himself driving a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder. The £200,000+ supercar emits 299g/km CO2 per EU data, clashing with Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone and the party’s anti-car stance. Stories broke May 11 in The Telegraph and The Times.
Party Response and Public Backlash
Green Party of England and Wales announced an internal standards review by May 12. Leaders, including co-leader Carla Denyer, expressed disappointment and distanced themselves. Khan removed the video and stated the car belonged to a friend, calling the drive a “moment of fun” not reflective of his net-zero commitment. He vowed to offset emissions, estimated at £500. A petition for his recall surpassed 5,000 signatures, with #GreenHypocrite trending widely.
Historical Precedents of Green Hypocrisy
This scandal echoes prior Green Party controversies. In 2023, co-leader Carla Denyer faced criticism for frequent flying despite emission pledges. Zack Polanski, deputy leader, drew accusations in 2024 for owning multiple cars during his London mayoral bid. Ongoing scrutiny includes 2021 conference travel emissions. These patterns highlight elite inconsistencies, fueling cynicism across political lines about leaders who preach sacrifice but flaunt excess, much like frustrations with America’s deep state elites.
Prof. Steve Sorrell of Sussex University equated one drive’s emissions to 100km of EV range. Dr. Laura Grant of LSE noted hypocrisy scandals historically cost Greens 15% vote share. Conservative voices labeled Khan an “entitled virtue-signaler,” while even neutral experts stressed post-election timing amplifies damage to eco-credibility.
UK Green Party councillor Mohammad Baghdadi Khan posts video of himself cruising around in gas-guzzling Lamborghinihttps://t.co/JlcKtbor4a
— Human Events (@HumanEvents) May 12, 2026
Broader Implications for Political Trust
Khan’s stunt erodes Green momentum in urban wards facing air quality crises and 2026 heatwaves. Polls show 10% support drop, risking by-elections and hurting 2027 general election prospects. Voters on both sides grow cynical toward green politics, seeing “do as I say, not as I do” attitudes. Environmental groups like Greenpeace demand resignation, weakening UK climate consensus. Rivals Tories and Labour prepare to exploit the narrative, underscoring shared distrust in self-serving politicians worldwide.
Sources:
Green councillor drives petrol-guzzling Lamborghini (The Telegraph)
New Green councillor filmed in gas-guzzling supercar (The Times)
