Glastonbury & Street Green Party

In a day and night full of drama, the Green Party won its first seats on Somerset County Council.

Formerly held by the Liberal Democrats, Martin Dimery secured a stunning victory for the Green Party in Frome East with 983 votes; with another victory for the Greens in Frome West: John Clarke took the seat from former Independent Cllr Derek Tanswell with 987 votes.

John Clarke and Martin Dimery who won the first Green Seats on Somerset County Council

However, by far the largest Green Vote went to Green Mayor of Glastonbury, Cllr Jon Cousins – who received a massive 1,196 votes.  However, this was not enough to win a seat in the unique ‘double’ Glastonbury & Street Division.

Jon Cousins said after the result was announced, “We know from the verification of the ballot papers that only a handful of voters in Street voted for me – the incredible result is that over 1,100 people voted Green in Glastonbury!  This is a phenomenal vote.  It is higher than the vote that won Green seats in Frome.”

Jon Cousins received the largest ever vote for a Green at County level!

“If Glastonbury was a single Division, Somerset could arguably have three Green Councillors returned this morning.  We need to ask the question:  Have the people of Glastonbury been disenfranchised by the cynical, politically motivated creation of this double Division?  I suggest that to anyone looking at the situation from outside, it could appear to be outright gerrymandering – the result of which means that no one in Glastonbury is now represented by a Councillor from Glastonbury…”

“On a positive note, I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.  1,196 votes is quite possibly the largest ever vote for a Green at County level in Somerset.  Thank you to all those hard working members and supporters of the Green Party in Glastonbury.  Together, we are a flourishing, strong, and stable political voice for the Common Good.”

Full results will be published on the Mendip District Council website, HERE:

The Green Party have launched their Mendip District campaign for the Somerset County Council Election, with more seats contested than ever before – and candidates personally endorsed by Green Party leader Caroline Lucas MP.

Green Party Leader Caroline Lucas MP.

The Green Party’s leader said: “Voting Green gives you the chance to elect councillors who will fight your corner, and stand up for your interests.  We know that Greens can win in Frome and in Glastonbury & Street – and that by doing so and working with other parties we can make a huge difference.  So if you want councillors to work tirelessly for your community please vote Green on 4th May.”

Green Party spokesperson, Mendip District Councillor Shane Collins said “Our candidates provide an opportunity for voters to oppose the cuts, defend services, protect green spaces, and our environment.  Through working with our three Mendip District Council Councillors and our many Parish and Town Councillors, the Green Party can ensure Mendip’s towns remain vibrant.”

Green County Council candidates for Frome, L-R: John Clarke, Martin Dimery, and Pepita Collins.

On 20th April, there will be a free public meeting at the Cheese And Grain, Frome, where Independents for Frome Town Councillors Peter Macfadyen, Mel Usher, and Jean Boulton will join the Green Party’s District Councillors Shane Collins, Des Harris, and Stina Falle, and the Green’s County candidates to discuss ‘How Frome can thrive as a green town in Somerset’.

Jon Cousins, Green SCC candidate Glastonbury & Street.

In Glastonbury & Street, the Greens have selected hard-working Town Councillor and Mayor of Glastonbury Jon Cousins as their candidate, who said he was honoured to have been chosen, adding: “For years the Tories have taken their hold of Somerset for granted.  But with the County Council £22million in debt, and Children’s Services in ‘special measures’ following the 2013 and 2015 Ofsted inspections – judging the overall effectiveness of arrangements for the protection of children ‘inadequate’ – we need to send a message that their complacency is not good enough.  The Greens can win in Glastonbury & Street.  We are a voice for real change, and represent real opposition to the disastrous Tory cuts in Somerset.”

The Greens are standing nine candidates across the Mendip District, including: Jon Cousins in Glastonbury & Street, John Clarke, Martin Dimery, and Pepita Collins in Frome, Peter Harlow in Shepton Mallet, David Hine in Mendip Hills, Paul Crummay in Wells, Jono Ekin in Mendip Central & East, and Theo Simon in Mendip South.

Theo Simon, Green SCC candidate Mendip South.

The election takes place on Thursday 4th May, and polling stations will be open from 7 am to 10 pm.