Speaking from the victorious count for Mid Suffolk council, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Let the significance of this result sink in - this is not only the first time ever that a Green Party has taken majority control of a local authority in the UK, but the first time anywhere in Europe.”
Ramsay, who is parliamentary candidate for the new Waveney Valley constituency on the Suffolk/Norfolk border, said:
“This paves the way for success in the general election next year in Waveney Valley. Greens have taken majority control of the main council in the area, as well as winning all four seats in the two East Suffolk wards in the constituency (Bungay and Halesworth).
“Just a few months ago, a by-election saw us become the largest party on Bristol City Council.
“If these results are replicated in a General Election, we will be well on the way to my co-leader Carla Denyer being elected in Bristol and myself elected in Waveney Valley.”
Councillor Andy Mellen, leader of the Green councillors on Mid Suffolk District council, said:
“This result shows there is a real appetite for a party of sensible, practical people who are committed to making positive change in their community. That’s why so many people voted for us.
“We thank everyone who voted for us and put their trust in us to get things done.
“We are excited about the challenges ahead and feel there is a great deal we can achieve now that we control the Council, especially in areas such as housing, planning and making the Council more accessible.
“This isn’t a protest vote. Greens have steadily been building a presence here over many years. They have a track record of getting things done and that’s what people voted for.
“With such high support in Suffolk, we now have a great opportunity to get Adrian Ramsay elected as a Green MP at the next General Election to support the fantastic work Caroline Lucas is doing at Westminster.”
The Mid Suffolk result comes after a day of strong results. Ramsay said:
“In East Hertfordshire we have seen monumental gains, taking a previously safe Conservative council into no-overall control - and we could yet become the largest party there.
“It is clear that the Conservatives are crumbling and the sooner we have a general election the better.
“Voters are fed up of this Conservative government and are turning to the Greens because we offer a real alternative, with hard-working local councillors and sound practical policies to tackle local and national issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, housing, underfunded and run down public services and the state of our rivers.”
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401