Dear Editor,
The Green Party made major gains at the 2023 district council elections in Suffolk. The political landscape has changed significantly since then. After their general election win, Labour are struggling; the Conservatives are in the doldrums; Reform is high in the opinion polls, and the Green Party has new leadership under Zack Polanski. These changes mean that it is much more difficult to anticipate voter intentions.
The Green Party’s success in the 2023 local elections was the result of presenting a choice between a local, hardworking, community-focused Green Party versus a complacent incumbent Conservative Party overshadowed by the record of their failed governments.
Polanski’s leadership has seen a rapid growth in Green Party membership and a rise in the opinion polls. In fact, Green Party policies haven’t changed. Greens have always been concerned about the cost of living, supported a wealth tax and are vehemently opposed to killing innocent civilians including children in Gaza.
However, there is no doubt there has been a more exclusive focus on the cost of living and a more radical and provocative tone. There has also been a lot of misinformation from opponents in areas such as drugs policy. The refocused Green Party is clearly attracting disenchanted former Labour voters in our cities but how will this approach play out in rural areas?
One key challenge for the Green Party is continuing to get the local message over. Our councillors work hard to get things done. The emphasis is on sensible practical policies that can make a difference, the sorts of policies we have been implementing in the councils in Suffolk where we have a controlling influence. Our election policies are focused on local issues like improving highways maintenance, allowing communities greater control over speed limits, supporting our bus services, investing in nature recovery, improving local SEND education provision and supporting independent businesses on our high streets.
The other key challenge is to make voters aware that in a ‘first past the post system’ there is a distinct possibility that Reform UK may take over Suffolk County Council. As an election machine, Reform is well funded and organised. Fortunately, the public are now becoming aware that their management of the councils that they control elsewhere in the country has been chaotic.
It’s clear that most residents don’t want a Reform-run county council and the way to stop this in many areas is to vote Green. How successful the Green Party is at presenting its positive local message and in making sure voters are aware of the risks of a Reform administration will be major factors in determining the local election results.
Richard Winch
Deputy Leader – Mid Suffolk District Council
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