In line with national party policy, the Harrogate and District Green Party have initiated discussions with opposition parties with whom we have a shared vision for a fairer society. We want to reshape political debate, to see the bigger picture and to put the community's future first and have decided not to stand our prospective candidate for Knaresborough Scriven Park in this by-election. We feel the discussions we have started take a positive step towards working for the area's future, changing politics, and bringing the benefits of a Green Society to all.
The Green Party welcomes the opportunity to support the excellent Liberal Democrat candidates Hannah Gostlow and Andy Bell in the elections for Knaresborough Town Council. The Green Party has met with and support the candidates' attitudes on crucial issues.
The Green Party looks forward to reciprocal support from the Liberal Democrats in future elections as both parties recognise the fundamental problem of a first-past-the-post electoral system which negates the vote of the majority of people in this country. The Green Party will always seek out opportunities to work collaboratively for the greater good.
The Green Party believes in a better, greener future for all and looks forward to working with Andy and Hannah on the issues which matter most to local people.
In the context of the climate crisis, pandemic and the dire lack of appropriate leadership from this Tory government and Council, we must work smarter. The first-past-the-post electoral system has destroyed democracy. The Conservatives want to keep this system. So does Labour (although the membership is pushing for a change). Liberal Democrats and Greens are clear that we must modernise to a proportional representation system so that all votes count. In this national context, we invited the local Liberal Democrats and Labour Party to discuss cooperation. Sadly, Labour felt unable to do so. We have now agreed with the Liberal Democrats to step aside in this by-election to help them win this seat, and they will reciprocate at a future election elsewhere.
