At a Glance
- Green Party vote share across Southend rose to 17.4%
- Leigh is now fully represented by Green councillors
- Greens took Chalkwell from the Conservatives
- The party has doubled its number of councillors in Southend
- Strong second-place finishes were achieved in West Leigh and Belfairs
The local elections last week saw a major increase in support for the Green Party, with Greens securing 17.4% of the vote share across Southend – a 25% increase from 2024. This places the Greens ahead of Labour and just behind the Conservatives city-wide.
Cllr Richard Longstaff said, “All of our candidates are incredibly proud of what we achieved. We’ve built this support without big donors or vested interests influencing us, and by continuing to rely on the support of local members and volunteers. We are the only established party to have increased our vote share across Southend.”
Residents in Leigh voted overwhelmingly to elect a third Green councillor, recognising the impact that hardworking Green representatives are having locally. Anita Forde joins Stuart Allen and Richard Longstaff to make Leigh fully Green represented.
Anita Forde said, “I’d like to thank the huge number of people who voted Green to make Leigh completely Green. It was heartening to hear residents describe Leigh as a pocket of hope during an uncertain time. We’re determined to keep working hard for everyone in the ward.”
Chalkwell also saw a Green breakthrough, with Kay Mitchell taking a seat from the Conservatives.
Kay Mitchell said:
“This result gives everyone in Chalkwell an alternative voice at the council, and I’m incredibly grateful to residents for their support and encouragement. There is a lot of work ahead, and I’m looking forward to being part of such a fantastic Green group of councillors.”
The Greens also secured strong second-place finishes in both West Leigh and Belfairs.
Simon Gittus, candidate for West Leigh, said:
“I want to thank the 1,034 people who voted Green in West Leigh after seeing the work we’ve been doing locally. It was a huge achievement for us. While we didn’t quite take first place this time, we will continue working hard for residents and building on this momentum.”
The Green group says it will now focus on delivering its priorities for residents in Leigh, Chalkwell and across Southend over the coming year.