The Green Party’s General Election candidates for the two Southend constituencies have welcomed the news today that a General Election will be held on July 4th 2024. The Green Party is on course to significantly increase its number of elected MPs in this General Election, and local champions Tilly and Simon hope to continue the success of the Greens in this year’s city council elections in May.
The Greens’ General Election Manifesto, which will be published in the coming days, is set to make key pledges on the protection of nature, bringing utility companies into public ownership, and creating sustainable and quality homes in the right place at the right price. Green Party Co-Leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay are on track to become new Green MPs in Bristol Central and Waveney Valley respectively.
Tilly Hogrebe, Green Party General Election candidate for Southend West & Leigh said;
“I’m pleased that the long-awaited General Election has finally been called, after months of speculation. Voters in Southend will be given the opportunity to choose a new direction for our community, our city, and our country. Southend residents can see how the Conservatives take their vote for granted here, and they don’t feel any better off after fourteen years of Conservative government. The offer from Starmer’s Labour is particularly uninspiring too, and they are yet to even announce their candidate in this election. Does Labour even want people’s votes here?
“Voters know what the Green Party stands for. Every vote for the Green Party in this election sends a strong message to the next Labour government that people want forward-thinking and innovative action on the crises our country faces. The Greens have a transformative and hopeful vision of what our country can be; a fairer and greener society, where people have financial and energy security, where people can lead happier and healthier lives in a good quality and affordable home, and where the reality of the climate emergency is given the urgent attention it needs.
“I would urge Southend residents; if you share our values, join the Green Party, help our campaign, and we can make the case for a more compassionate and sustainable Southend. Together, we can make our voice heard.”
Simon Cross, Green Party General Election candidate for Southend East & Rochford said;
“In just over 40 days time, we will have a new Government. If the polls are to be believed, that will be a Labour government with a 140+ seat majority. With this in mind, it’s important that we have strong and principled voices that will hold the next Government to account over the important issues that matter to ordinary people. The Green Party has an unbroken record of standing up for what matters, and being the adults in the room. Greens across the country are already representing their communities and working honestly and collaboratively for the common good. There’s no reason why we can’t have a group of principled people in Parliament fighting for these values too.
“I’m standing as a three-time candidate in this election. Cheekily, I suspect I can credibly argue that I am the most experienced candidate in this race. No doubt the Conservatives will end up parachuting in a last-minute candidate who has no ties to Southend, and what a shame that would be for our City. I have lived and worked in this area for many years and I’m proud to call it my home. I have stood up for the most impoverished parts of this area, and I have fought on behalf of residents who are struggling to make ends meet. I have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Doctors and Nurses in the fight to save our Hospital from cuts, and I have battled against developers who seek to destroy what little green belt land we have left. This is my record, and I pledge to take this fighting spirit to Westminster where I would be honoured to be our representative.”
ENDS