Following the Argus report suggesting the Green Party could secure every seat in Brighton and Hove at the next election, I read it with both excitement and a feeling of accomplishment.
It’s no secret we experienced a significant setback in the previous local elections, dropping from 20 councillors down to seven. However, we accepted defeat gracefully (unlike some who celebrated), and we immediately began analyzing what went wrong.
Did I feel disappointed about the outcome? Certainly, for a short period. But as anyone who coaches a children’s football team knows, after suffering heavy defeats, you don’t simply disband and leave. Instead, you identify improvements and return to compete.
Our party’s immediate response was to engage with residents directly. We had an ideal opportunity shortly after those results when we needed to defend the nation’s sole Green parliamentary seat, as Caroline Lucas had decided to step down after 14 years.
Despite her substantial majority, we didn’t assume anything and actively sought input from residents, particularly since all surveys indicated Labour would win heavily in 2024 (though based on an unstable 33.7 percent support).
We maintained this engagement right through to election day the following May, and Brighton Pavilion elected Sian Berry as MP with a respectable majority exceeding 14,000 votes.
We kept listening as the Labour administration proved unwilling to commit long-term, with their councillors departing in significant numbers, resulting in six by-elections that cost the city approximately £250,000.
We achieved victories in Brunswick and Adelaide ward and in Queen’s Park, regaining residents’ confidence by engaging with the community and understanding their concerns and difficulties.
We welcomed Cllr Bruno De Oliveira to our group, a prominent figure in the former Labour administration and a councillor with impressive credentials, and we remain committed to listening and learning.
A few weeks ago in South Portslade, on a rainy and blustery Wednesday evening, 40 volunteers participated in a canvassing session—a phenomenon that would have been unthinkable until recently.
Our local membership has grown dramatically from approximately 900 in 2023 to the current 5,500, and from this energized base we have commenced selecting candidates prepared for next year’s local elections.
As a local political party, we appear to be thriving, which stems from our willingness to listen to residents. The evidence is clear: our support has increased substantially.
Admittedly, the local elections are roughly 12 months away, and the latest possible date for a General Election is about 40 months from now. However, we continue to listen to residents at both local and national levels regarding the real challenges they face.
This is particularly relevant as people are recognizing the connection between a Labour government unwilling to make bold decisions that would unlock much-needed funding for local authorities, and a local Labour administration afraid to challenge the national government for its failure to act and provide support.
Ministers prefer not to upset corporations that benefit them, but residents deserve representatives who prioritize people and the planet over their own careers and profits.
Make no mistake—local authorities face a crisis, as 16 years of reductions, cuts, and austerity from both Conservative and Labour governments have stripped many councils’ core services to the bare minimum. However, should we form the next administration, we will hold the government accountable for its deliberate defunding of councils and continue to listen to residents while acting in their best interests.
We have witnessed the effectiveness of a Green voice in Parliament through Caroline and Sian’s work for Pavilion constituents. Imagine what three Green MPs could achieve.
Looking forward to 2027 and 2029.
Steve Davis serves as Leader of the Opposition and Green Group Convenor.