Thank you to everyone who supported our campaign to elect Marianne Brett as the MP for Folkestone & Hythe. We increased our vote from 2,706 (4.6%) in 2019 to 3,954 (9.1%) in 2024, despite green-supporting residents in the North Downs East and West wards now being part of the Ashford constituency. Nationally, we polled more than 1,943,265 votes, representing 6.7% of the total, up from 2.7% in 2019. We extend our best wishes to Tony Vaughan as he becomes the first non-Tory MP for our area.
The Green Party has become a major force for positive change in our area
The Green Party is a major force for positive change in Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC), making it the first in Kent to be led by the Greens. We are also the lead group on Hythe Town Council and have increased our representation at Kent County Council. Our councillors represent residents in both Hythe wards, Cheriton, Hawkinge, Elham, Sellindge, Lyminge, and Stelling Minnis. Forming a minority administration with two Lib Dems, we are transforming council operations and finances. At Hythe Town Council, our majority of 12 councillors works with independents and Lib Dems to engage the community. Jenni Hawkins, elected to Kent County Council, joins four other Green councillors, advocating for initiatives like banning disposable vapes. Our journey began in Hythe West with Martin Whybrow’s election in 2013, showing the impact of Green representation.
Our success relies on dedicated organisers, leafleters, and candidates. Join us to be part of the next chapter.
Greens Working Hard All Year Round
Building a Greener Future: Cllr Jim Martin on Leadership and Otterpool Park
Cllr Jim Martin, Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council, shares how incremental changes, from a more open leadership style to the evolution of sustainable housing projects like Otterpool Park, are transforming the district. His approach, rooted in accessibility and transparency, is also guiding the Council's new Corporate Plan, centred on the UN’s sustainable development goals, while ensuring a greener future for local developments.
Building Bridges: How Green Councillors Are Making Local Voices Heard
Councillor Polly Blakemore writes about her early impact as Cabinet Member for Transport, Regulatory Services, and Building Control, where she quickly made waves by responding promptly to residents' concerns. From tackling small issues like parking to addressing larger challenges such as inadequate bus services, Polly is bringing a fresh approach to local governance—one focused on listening and taking action. While major challenges remain, she is determined to ensure that residents' voices shape future solutions, emphasising that the job is far from finished.
Building Trust: How Our Council is Transforming Community Relations
Discover how our council is bridging the gap with the community through responsive engagement, supporting local organizations, and advocating on critical issues. Since taking office in May 2023, we've been dedicated to listening to residents, addressing concerns, and fostering collaboration. Join us on our journey to create a more inclusive and empowered district. Read more about our initiatives and how you can get involved!
Greens respond to OFWAT price rise
The idea that water companies will hike bills while so many people are struggling to get to the end of the month is horrific. Meanwhile, some companies, like Thames Water, are still paying shareholder dividends, which is deplorable.
Time to end pollution of our coastline: time to vote Green
Sandgate, Seabrook and New Romney have all seen protests and meetings recently as anger grows over the pollution of our seas and waterways. It has been an issue throughout our first year leading Folkestone & Hythe District Council and, with another summer of local sea swimming bans ahead, it will be in many people’s minds when they vote in July’s General Election.
Greens reward voters’ trust in first year running district
Our first year running Folkestone & Hythe District Council has seen many achievements, setting the council on the right path for the future. In May 2023, Kent’s first Green Party council leader, Cllr Jim Martin, declared Princes Parade saved, to loud cheers from the public. We eliminated a £4.5 million deficit without dipping into reserves, though this required tough decisions.
Shaping a Greener Future: Our Youth Lead the Way in Sustainability
Children from schools in the Folkestone & Hythe district have come together in a pilot scheme to explore how local government works and to create their own projects based on sustainability.
Local MP’s Leaflet Sparks Controversy: Glossing Over Economic Realities and Unmet Needs
In a recent leaflet campaign, MP Damian Collins appears to cherry-pick achievements while overlooking the underlying economic challenges facing our communities. From slashed funding to unaddressed healthcare shortages, constituents voice concerns over the mismatch between rhetoric and reality.
Volunteer to help get Greens elected
The Green Party is 99% made up of volunteers – this is how we’ve been running for over 40 years. There is so much to do to win elections, we rely on volunteers and welcome your help. Whatever skillset or ability you have, you will be an asset to us.
To share your details with the Party so we can get in touch to about volunteering, please complete the form below and someone from your Local Party will be in touch.
Helping in your local community by delivering a few leaflets or chatting with voters on the doorstep will make a real difference to getting more Greens elected.