April 18 2007
With the slogan "One World - One Chance", the England and Wales Green Party yesterday officially launched what looks set to be their most successful election campaign ever. Fielding a record 1421 candidates (30 of them in Leicester), the party hopes to make gains across the country.
The Leicester Party had already launched its campaign on April 11 (see "One vote can make the difference" as Greens launch Council campaign")
The Greens expect to win more than 20 seats, including Leicester's Castle and Fosse Wards - bringing their total number of councillors to about 120 - twice the figure they had four years ago. Castle Ward is the most marginal in the country, needing only one more Green vote.
Matt Follett, the Green Party's lead candidate in Castle Ward, said: "Greens offer another way of doing things, where long-term sustainability matters more than tomorrow's headlines. That is why Green politicians are different. We are not funded by big business. We are not driven by spin rather than substance. With public trust at an all-time low, principled Green politicians are needed now more than ever."
Last year's local elections saw the Greens gain 20 councillors - including nine in Norwich. They hope to become the second biggest party in Norwich and Brighton this year.
The party has seen a boost in its opinion poll ratings as environmental issues climb the political agenda.
Caroline Lucas MEP said: "The Greens are your One Chance for truth and action on climate change. The Greens are your One Chance for decent schools and housing. The Greens are your One Chance for councillors that make your voice heard.
"On climate change, for example, we will oppose more devastating airport expansion and more new road building programmes - and promote affordable, efficient public transport instead.
"On education, the Greens will protect schools from cuts, closure and creeping privatisation, and will oppose wasteful, financially damaging PFI schemes.
"On housing, we'll make sure that affordable housing is always part of new housing projects, and we'll help ensure that council and housing association tenants get the best and micro-renewable energy and installations.
"And we're committed to listening to local people, and involving people in the decisions that affect them. That's why our candidates and councillors are working tirelessly across the country - and we hope to see record gains in this election as a result!"
Promoted by Leicester Green Party at 89a Winchester Avenue, Leicester LE3 1AY