Mr Ali told The Telegraph: “Polanski’s political priorities and messaging needs to pivot more towards environmental and climate policies.
“However, I certainly do not support us standing down in Makerfield and think the local party should begin selection with the aim of winning it hot on the heels of an incredible by-election victory in Gorton and Denton. The part that Polanski got right is being bold.
“Lucas’s timid way of doing politics was one of the main reasons we made such a negligible impact in Parliament for so long and zero gains beyond her own seat. The party was all about her. Activists should ignore her advice, especially when the momentum is so clearly with us.”
The Greens comfortably beat Reform into second and Labour into third at the Gorton and Denton by-election at the end of February in one of Labour’s traditional strongholds.
Mr Burnham was blocked from standing in the election by Sir Keir Starmer and his allies on the National Executive Committee (NEC), Labour’s ruling body.
However, the NEC has said it will not seek to block Mr Burnham from standing for election next month, prompting Ms Lucas to urge the Greens not to stand against Labour.
Lucas: ‘Put country before party’
She said: “There are times when it’s more important to put country before party. This is one of them.
“Burnham’s long-standing commitment to a fairer voting system could transform our democracy and counter the dire threat of a Reform UK government.”
A Green spokesman responded to Ms Lucas by insisting that the party was “looking forward to the campaign”.
They told The Telegraph: “We’ve learnt from our campaigning and wins in Gorton and Denton and the recent local elections, and we’ve shown we can beat Reform.
“We’re a democratic party and our local members choose their candidates. We have already started the candidate selection process for any potential by-election in Makerfield.”