So, the elections are over and the Westminster result feels like a backward step and a victory for the politics of fear and prejudice. The idea of moving to Scotland suddenly seems more attractive. Here in Somerset however there have been some interesting developments.
Jon Cousins, in the Wells constituency (including Glastonbury), got well over 2,000 votes for the Green Party and came close to saving his deposit. In Somerton and Frome, green activist and musician Theo Simon got more than 5,000.
Here in Glastonbury, the Green Party got 7 (out of 16) seats on the Town Council, and missed getting a seat on the District Council by just 4 votes. This was a very good showing, though in each case just missing their objective.
What I think it confirms is that making a real impact on the local political scene will be at least an 8-year project. How they get on over the next four years, for instance in creating a community-led economic plan, or getting the heavy goods vehicles diverted away from the A361 through the town, will be crucial. Such ideas looked god on the leaflets; but I am sure that it will be practical results that will determine how well the 'green surge' goes from here.
In the mean time, Jon has been in touch to highlight this, from his post-election letter to the local newspaper:
"I’d like to express my huge admiration and respect for Glastonbury’s electorate, who did vote with their hearts and ‘changed the tune’ in the Town Council election. Thank you for voting the Greens into first place. I speak on behalf of my Green colleagues when I say that we will not only work diligently in co-operation with our fellow Councillors to serve you, but also we invite you – the people of Glastonbury – to get more involved with the governance of this place we all hold so close to our hearts."
Jon Cousins, in the Wells constituency (including Glastonbury), got well over 2,000 votes for the Green Party and came close to saving his deposit. In Somerton and Frome, green activist and musician Theo Simon got more than 5,000.
Here in Glastonbury, the Green Party got 7 (out of 16) seats on the Town Council, and missed getting a seat on the District Council by just 4 votes. This was a very good showing, though in each case just missing their objective.
What I think it confirms is that making a real impact on the local political scene will be at least an 8-year project. How they get on over the next four years, for instance in creating a community-led economic plan, or getting the heavy goods vehicles diverted away from the A361 through the town, will be crucial. Such ideas looked god on the leaflets; but I am sure that it will be practical results that will determine how well the 'green surge' goes from here.
In the mean time, Jon has been in touch to highlight this, from his post-election letter to the local newspaper:
"I’d like to express my huge admiration and respect for Glastonbury’s electorate, who did vote with their hearts and ‘changed the tune’ in the Town Council election. Thank you for voting the Greens into first place. I speak on behalf of my Green colleagues when I say that we will not only work diligently in co-operation with our fellow Councillors to serve you, but also we invite you – the people of Glastonbury – to get more involved with the governance of this place we all hold so close to our hearts."
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