A Green councillor has reflected on what the party did right in the recent elections, and has spoken on how they might bring the country back together.
After winning 10 seats and 28% of the vote share in Sheffield during the recent local elections, the Green Party have continued to steadily climb the ranks of British politics.
Green Party Councillor Christine Gilligan Kubo, for the Hillsborough ward of Sheffield, said: “It’s fantastic to gain so many seats – we worked very hard for them.”
Reform UK, however, are also exponentially gaining seats across the country, with 14 councils won in the election, as opposed to the Green Party’s five councils and two mayoralities.
Coun Gilligan Kubo spoke on how the Greens were able to beat Reform by nearly 2,000 votes in Sheffield: “We work in the wards all year round, so we’re a constant presence, and we try to be responsive.
“We’re there, we’re on the streets, and we’re listening to people.”
Statistics from LSE British Politics show that those most likely to vote for reform are older, working-class voters, with lower levels of education and a strong sense of English identity.
Whilst Sheffield takes great pride in its working-class history, the 2021 census showed that the majority of the population still sat within the 20-24 age bracket, which likely factored into the Green’s recent success.
In answer to Reform’s rising popularity, Coun Gilligan Kubo said: “There is a lack of political understanding in the country generally and, hopefully, being out in Sheffield and as visible as possible will help to address it.”
A poll by The Telegraph revealed that 76% of Brits perceive the nation to be more divided now than 10 years ago, when Brexit was in full swing.
The recent surge in support for both the Greens and Reform highlights the polarisation of the British public, as the two parties have among the most opposing views in UK politics.
Speaking for the Greens, Coun Gilligan Kubo said: “We like to do politics that’s kind, rather than divisive. We like to bring people together.”
Reform UK were contacted for comment, but declined to respond.