The Green Party is celebrating becoming the second party on the Isle of Wight coming second to the Conservatives on vote share.
Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, will be on the island this afternoon [1] to celebrate the party’s first councillor on the island - Michael Lilley.
The Green Party’s total vote of 5,607 is a huge increase on 2013 when the party stood in one ward and got 297 votes. This time Greens left Labour in second place on 4,134 votes with the Lib Dems in third with 2,783. [2]
The combined Green, Labour, Liberal, Independent vote was more than 50%, from a turn-out of about 40%.
It’s been a good night for the Greens nationwide with net gains of +7 nationwide including in Wales and first seats in the Isle of Wight and Orkney.
Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, said:
"There are still lots of results to come but so far these results look good for the Green Party. We're offering people a real alternative to business-as-usual politics.
“Across the country Greens have gained seats - with first seats in Orkney and the Isle of Wight, and a first win in Wales. People who believe things can change for the better, and that the next generation must be defined by fairness, not foodbanks, are choosing to back politicians they can trust.
“It’s clear the Greens are challenging the Tory reign in the Isle of Wight - and are set to run our boldest ever General Election campaign in the coming weeks. "
Notes:
Isle of Wight stats: