4th May 2023
THE GREENS are celebrating a successful Local Election this year, electing the first-ever Green Councillor to Southend City Council.
Well-known community campaigner Richard Longstaff has been elected as a Councillor for the Leigh Ward.
Richard won the seat with 1042 votes, which represented 39% of the total vote. The Liberal Democrats finished second, and the Conservatives in third. The seat was previously held by Liberal Democrat Ashley Thompson, who resigned. Richard will now serve as a Green Party City Councillor until May 2027.
Richard is well-known in Leigh as the man behind the popular Once Upon a Tree and the Grand Again campaigns. He has been the Green Party’s candidate for Leigh since 2019. His election campaign focussed on his track record of hard work for Leigh and set out his positive vision for a Fairer, Greener Leigh.
Richard will now represent the residents of Leigh as the City Council’s first Green Councillor and will work hard for a fairer, greener community in Leigh.
FULL 2023 LEIGH WARD RESULTS:
- Richard LONGSTAFF (Green Party) – 1042 votes – ELECTED
- Syrie COX (Liberal Democrat) – 835 votes
- Craig WATT (Conservative) – 501 votes
- Mick EKERS (Labour) – 236 votes
- James MILLER (Confelicity) – 36 votes
- Jason PILLEY (Psychedelic Movement) – 13 votes
Speaking on the evening, Richard said:
” I’m thrilled and humbled to have been chosen by the residents of Leigh to be their new City Councillor. Today we made history. My thanks to the residents for putting their trust in me. “
Coordinator of the South East Essex Green Party, James Vessey-Miller said;
” The Green Party have had an amazing set of results across the country in this year’s Local Elections, and that Green Surge has also reached Leigh. Richard has worked so immensely hard for the residents of Leigh these past few years, and ultimately the voters recognised and appreciated that dedicated hard work alongside his honest and positive campaign. This year shows that the Green Party can win seats anywhere, and I’m looking forward to working with Richard in holding the council to account and standing up for what matters. “
ENDS