The first Green Party of England and Wales leadership election ended on 5 September 2008 at 8pm. The election followed the party's decision to replace its current system of two Principal Speakers with a single leader. The change was supported by one Principal Speaker, Caroline Lucas, but opposed by the other, Derek Wall. It gained the support of 73% of party members who cast a vote. Caroline Lucas launched a campaign for the Leadership on 14 July. The other candidate for the leadership was Ashley Gunstock, an actor best known for his role in The Bill.