A former MP who was suspended by the Labour Party has joined the Green Party.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle, who represented Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven from 2017 until 2024, was suspended over a complaint about his behaviour in May 2024.

The former MP, who was not permitted to represent the party at the 2024 general election, said: “My old party has left behind millions of people who want hope.”

A Labour Party spokesperson said: “Labour is working every day to change the lives of working people for the better, not endlessly shouting from the sidelines.”

Russell-Moyle said: “In the Greens, I see a party I have worked with for years and I am making the jump to join them today.

“I urge others to do so too.”

The former MP announced in January that he was returning to the Labour Party months after the complaint that led to the suspension.

The complaint, which he denied, was about his behaviour eight years prior.

He said at the time he believed it a “vexatious and politically motivated complaint” and that he would be exonerated.

The BBC understands that the Labour Party investigated the complaint and determined there was insufficient evidence and no further action would be taken.

Chris Ward replaced Russell-Moyle as Brighton Kemptown MP at the 2024 general election.

In 2020, Russell-Moyle stepped down from his role as shadow environment minister, blaming a “campaign by the right-wing media”.

Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, said: “Lloyd will bring a huge amount to the Green Party.

“He and tens of thousands like him have not left the Labour Party – the Labour Party has left them.”

The Green Party said it would be selecting candidates for the 2029 general election in summer 2026.