With two city councillors and a county councillor, the 3rd best result in the 2010 general election, and 15 candidates standing for seats in the local elections on the 5th of May, it's an exciting time for the Cambridge Green Party.
The Green Party has been active in Cambridge for 30 years, but gained their first breakthrough in 2008, when long-time campaigner Margaret Wright received 40% of the vote in Abbey ward. Since then, former leader of Cambridge City Council, Simon Sedgwick-Jell, was elected as a county councillor in 2009, and Adam Pogonowski won a second city council seat in Abbey in 2010.
This year, Cambridge's local manifesto for the city council elections focuses on reducing the divide between rich and poor in Cambridge, pushing for a living wage, ensuring local businesses are protected from multinational chains, and promoting proper democratic involvement of residents.
Cllr Adam Pogonowski said: "The Green Party believes firmly that a living wage would alleviate problems of deprivation and relative poverty. A living wage would especially help with the rising cost of living. Cambridge needs to show that equality and fairness really are guiding principles for the Council."
In their local manifesto, the Cambridge Greens promise a reduction in overall councillor allowances. This would free up taxpayer money for more projects throughout the City, such as:
- increasing recycling rates within Cambridge to 70% by 2016, and,
- a city-wide home insulation project to reduce carbon emissions, saving money for residents on their household bills and creating Green jobs.
Pogonowski believes that the party's commitment to the area, and its residents, makes them a strong alternative for Cambridge, an area that has no core loyalty to any party.
He said: "The Cambridge Green Party manifesto for the council elections on May 5th is designed to promote social and environmental justice for Cambridge. We will be pragmatic and realistic and make optimal use of taxpayer money. The Liberal Democrats have not listened to Cambridge's residents for a long time now, and it is time a real alternative was put forward for the city."
Brett Hughes is the Cambridge Green Party's target candidate in Abbey ward for this year's elections.
Hughes works as a teacher at a local sixth form school in Cambridge. Previously, he worked in radiography and as a teacher in Australia. He is currently the chair of Cambridge Green Party.
Hughes said: "As Greens we listen, and argue for local interests - not the interests of big business. We will continue fighting for Abbey's residents, and pushing through our progressive policies throughout Cambridge."
"Labour have badly let our country down. They want cuts, just a tiny fraction slower - this is not an alternative to the Liberal Democrat and Tory cuts agenda. The Greens are opposed to slashing public services that will affect the worst off in Cambridge - including some areas of Abbey ward. This is deeply unfair, and if elected, I will be joining our current councillors in vocally opposing such ideological policies."