Greens surge in South East council elections

8 May 2011

The English local elections on 5th May 2011 resulted in significant gains for the Greens, building on breakthroughs in previous years.

In Brighton & Hove the Greens gained 10 new seats to form the largest group on the council, becoming the UK's first ever Green-led local authority. Greens now hold 23 seats on Brighton & Hove City Council, Conservatives have lost 8 seats and now hold 18 seats, Labour are unchanged at 13 seats and Liberal Democrats lost their last remaining seat.

Brighton Pavilion MP and Green Party Leader commented on the result, saying:

"I am delighted that the voters of Brighton and Hove have once again made history by voting in the Greens as the largest party on the council.

“The fact that we held all our seats and gained 10 – with a total of 23 – shows more than ever the scale of Green support in the city.

“We have offered people a positive and progressive alternative to the older political parties and they have welcomed it.

“Our councillors are determined to get the best possible deal for Brighton and Hove in these difficult times."

In Reigate Sarah Finch was elected the second Green councillor following Jonathan Essex's win last year.

Reading Green Party also gained a seat with Melanie Eastwood joining Rob White on Reading Borough Council.

Greens surge in South East council elections

Local parties

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