A Green Party candidate has been accused of “hypocrisy” for driving a thirsty diesel SUV. Adam Kamenetzky, who is standing for election to Wandsworth Council in south-west London in May 7’s local elections, reportedly drives a 2.1L Mercedes M-Class as a family car in the capital.

The Greens are well-known for their environmentally friendly stance and want to accelerate plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. They also aim to remove such vehicles from the roads, with a greater focus on electric vehicles or walking, cycling and public transport. The local Tooting Conservative Association has slammed Mr Kamenetzky and the Green Party.

They told the Daily Mail: “No wonder the Greens have got Labour panicking in Furzedown and Tooting Broadway.

“It shows true dedication to be able to compete on hypocrisy.”

Mr Kamenetzky, who works as an activist researcher for a company that educates organisations about racial inequality, refused to comment on his car when approached by the Mail, the newspaper reported.

The 45-year-old is said to live in a £1.4 million five-bedroom home in Streatham Park.

One local said Mr Kamenetzky’s 2013 Mercedes ML250 is used “every day”, adding: “He has said he can't afford a new car so he has kept it. He's been busy with a case at the High Court.”

Mr Kamenetzky purportedly has become a key campaigner in the ‘dieselgate’ case at the High Court which has seen around 1.6 million diesel car owners take manufacturers to court over alleged emissions cheating.

In campaign material, Mr Kamenetzky said he is “passionate about health, the environment, racial injustice, and the creative arts” and wants to bring a “more compassionate and inclusive approach” to local politics.

The Green Party has been contacted for comment.