Doubled Green Representation

THE Greens have doubled their representation on Southend City Council to four councillors, securing additional scrutiny and committee positions across the authority.
The group issued a statement saying: “The Group will not be entering an agreement with any administration allowing them to continue to be an independent voice representing their residents.
“Coun Stuart Allen has been reappointed as Green Group Spokesperson for a second consecutive year and will serve on Health & People Overview and Scrutiny Committees, Licensing Committee, Audit & Governance, and the Traffic Working Party.
“Newly elected Councillor Kay Mitchell has been appointed Deputy Spokesperson and will sit on the Health & Wellbeing Board, Corporate Parenting Board, as well as Vice Chair of People Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
“Coun Anita Forde has been appointed to Policy & Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, General Purposes Committee and Licence Subcommittee.
“While the Greens’ first ever Councillor, Richard Longstaff, will continue his work on Planning alongside roles on Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the Shareholder Board.”
Cllr Stuart Allen said: “As a Green Group without a whip, we chose not to enter into any formal administration or make deals with other parties.
“People who vote Green expect us not to support any form of Conservative-Reform coalition.
“We believe this is the best way to keep Southend open, welcoming and forward-looking, while continuing to have the ability to challenge the administration on issues like protecting our Green Belt.”
Coun Richard Longstaff added: “This is not an ordinary year, with Local Government Reorganisation approaching. Stability and experience are essential so officers can continue the detailed work needed to prepare Southend for the new authority structure, rather than having a hung council.”
The Green Group says it will use its expanded presence on the Council to push for action on its key priorities over the year ahead, following its strongest set of election results yet.
Picture: The new Green Group on Southend Council.
Read more
Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news
X : @leighonsea_news
Contact us: https://leigh-on-sea.news/contact-us
Email: [email protected]