With the official Publication of Notice of the Election declared today, Exeter Green Party have announced their priorities for the City. As the country emerges from the Covid-19 lockdown, the Party will fight the City and County Council elections under a banner of ‘Make Normal Better,’ pledging to back policies that ‘create a more just society, a cleaner environment and a fairer economy in Exeter and Devon’.
The Green Party say elected Green councillors will prioritise real action to ensure Exeter meets its pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030, support the creation of local jobs in social enterprises and small businesses which help with the COVID recovery, and push for communities to have a better say in the future development of Exeter.
St David’s candidate in the City Council elections, Amy Sparling, said:
“With the mass roll out of the vaccination programme, there is hope that life will return to something closer to normal this year. But now is our opportunity to create a more just society, a cleaner environment and a fairer economy in Exeter and Devon. Green councillors have the ideas and the energy to make normal better.”
Specific proposals from the Greens include new zero carbon housing with low running costs and affordable to rent; a permanent modern market in the city centre focussing on promoting local affordable food; and cleaning up the city’s air by making walking, cycling and public transport safe, convenient and affordable options.
Andrew Bell, Devon County Council candidate for St David’s & Haven Banks, said:
“Greens know that Exeter can and must thrive in new ways as we emerge from the COVID pandemic. We will focus on the actions needed to create healthy, safe communities, a vibrant local economy and ensure our green spaces are protected and boost biodiversity.”
Lizzie Woodman, Devon County Council candidate for Heavitree & Whipton Barton, added:
“You can also count on Greens to resist huge public spending cuts. We have always been a Party opposed to austerity. We’ll stand up for the local services that people and nature rely on.”
The local Green Party has entered into an electoral arrangement with the Liberal Democrats for the City Council elections. Each party will field candidates uncontested by the other in several wards across the city. Cllr Diana Moore, who has worked as part of the Progressive Group of councillors over the last 18 months, said:
“Politics is at its best when there are different voices in the room. Green councillors have proven they can work cooperatively with councillors from other parties at both City and County Council levels. It has been shown that more diverse councils make better decisions and provide better value for money.”
Dan Grey, City Council candidate for Newtown and St Leonard’s, said:
“The Progressive Group has demonstrated it is the real opposition on Exeter City Council. Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors have worked cooperatively together and brought effective challenge and scrutiny to the Labour-led administration.
Catherine Rees, who is standing in Heavitree in the City Council elections, said:
“Green councillors will work hard to challenge Labour for real action on its 2030 carbon neutral pledge; on tackling the city’s air pollution; and on its stalled kerbside food waste collection service.”