- Again elected three councillors in Hythe and two in Hythe Rural, with even bigger numbers of votes than four years ago
- Enjoyed a clean sweep in Cheriton, where their existing councillor was re-elected and joined by two more
- Won for the first time in North Downs East (two councillors) and North Downs West (one councillor)
- Became the majority group on Hythe Town Council, while continuing its alliance with independents and LibDems, and with no Conservatives were elected.
“We’re delighted with the results and grateful to all those who turned out to vote and put their trust in us, as well as to all the volunteers and candidates who took nothing for granted and worked hard for every vote. Of course, the real work begins now but we’re all looking forward to getting started. It’s really satisfying to see even bigger votes this time in the two Hythe wards than we did when our first Green councillors were elected four years ago, to go from one to three councillors in Cheriton and to see Greens representing many more local communities, including at Hawkinge, Elham, Sellindge, Lyminge and Stelling Minnis.”
Cllr Jim Martin, Leader - Green Group of District CouncillorsWhile the Green Party is now the biggest group on the district council, it does not have a majority of the 30 councillors and is discussing a possible alliance to establish a stable, secure and productive administration that will deliver the things the Greens promised voters at this election, including scrapping development on Princes Parade and transforming the council into one that listens to, involves and acts in the best interests of local people.
The party’s manifesto also set out priorities including doing as much as possible to provide green jobs and support for high streets and other local businesses, to work in partnership with community groups to support vulnerable people and those hit by the cost-of-living crisis and publishing an action plan to help homeless people all year round.
The manifesto also included doing everything possible to provide affordable homes that are cheaper to heat and to insulate all council housing to reduce energy bills and to secure more biodiversity on council land and net carbon zero council buildings. The party also said it wants to improve recycling rates, reduce waste and encourage reuse, as well as seeking active travel schemes that make walking, cycling and wheelchair or rollator use safer and more enjoyable.
Shepway Green Party now has a record number of councillors – 12 at Hythe Town Council, eleven at Folkestone & Hythe District Council and, following its substantial victory in March’s Kent County Council by-election, one county councillor.
A snapshot of our wins:
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 & 𝗛𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹
Hythe – Green hold x3 (Rich Holgate, Anita Jones, Jim Martin)
Hythe Rural – Green hold x2 (Jeremy Speakman, John Wing)
Cheriton – Green hold x 1, Green gain x2 (Rebecca Shoob, Polly Blakemore, Mike Blakemore)
North Downs East – Green gain x2 (James Butcher, Stephen Scoffham)
North Downs West – Green gain x1 (Elaine Martin)
𝘛𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘭 – 11 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥
James Butcher & Stephen Scoffham
Elaine Martin
John Wing & Jeremy Speakman
Rich Holgate, Anita Jones & Jim Martin
Mike Blakemore, Rebecca Shoob & Polly Blakemore
