Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
With its picturesque thatched cottages and rural landscapes, Wiltshire has long been a bastion of Conservative politics, traditionally dominated by Conservative control at the county council level.
However, this week, the Green Party is optimistic about the possibility of securing its first council seats, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with established political parties.
Zack Polanski, the deputy leader of the Green Party, has embarked on an intensive campaign across rural regions, aiming to gain traction. As a vegan residing in Hackney, one might assume he would struggle to connect with the county’s agricultural community.
“Inequality affects everyone, regardless of their background,” Polanski shared while gearing up for another day of campaigning.
“Just yesterday, I spoke with a farmer near Runcorn whose land has suffered from chemical contamination dating back to the 1960s and 1970s,” he noted. “This situation is crippling his ability to farm, and he’s found it challenging to get necessary support. Contrary to popular belief, many farmers are not wealthy; they are facing significant hardships amidst an escalating climate and nature crisis, both of which require urgent attention.”
Polanski highlighted the concept of “green patriotism,” stressing the importance of sourcing food locally and protecting farmers’ rights while preventing them from being undermined by inferior international food standards.
He pointed out that many voters feel disillusioned with traditional political parties and are seeking alternatives, which may provide an opening for the Greens and Reform UK. The Green Party’s support has surged in recent elections, increasing from 2.7% of the vote in 2019 to 6.4% in 2024.
When a Guardian representative accompanied Polanski on his tour of Wiltshire, every household engaged expressed discontent with mainstream parties and was considering support for either Reform or Green.
Steve Traveller, a 68-year-old military veteran from Market Lavington, indicated he was weighing his voting options. “I’ve always backed the Conservatives but chose not to last time. We needed a change. The current administration made promises but failed to deliver.” He expressed frustration with Labour’s approach to means testing the winter fuel allowance.
“The disparity between rich and poor continues to grow. I have no issues with Reform or the Greens, but I won’t support the Conservatives or Labour,” he remarked.
His neighbor, Sarah, 57, voiced similar sentiments: “I’m tired of all of them.” She expressed willingness to back any party that could halt proposed housing development adjacent to her property, fearing it would obstruct her view.
Declan Baseley, 29, a former mayor of Chippenham, is also vying for a Green seat on the Wiltshire county council this Thursday. “There is a palpable desire for change,” he stated. “During the last general election, many chose to tactically back the Liberal Democrats to oust the Conservatives, but widespread dissatisfaction with the main parties has created a genuine opportunity for us.”
He emphasized that environmental concerns frequently arise in conversations with voters: “Locally, we face issues like sewage discharge into the River Avon, which is simply unacceptable. Our community has seen a drastic decline in nature. We successfully reintroduced the great bustard, previously extinct in Wiltshire, and now have beavers on the Avon. If elected, I would advocate for funding to enhance local biodiversity.” Baseley has knocked on over 1,300 doors recently, hoping his outreach translates into electoral success.
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Catherine Read, a retired radiographer, is also a candidate for the county council. “We were the runner-up in Lavingtons last election, giving us a solid chance,” she explained. Recently, Read engaged in planting hedges to protect local barbastelle bat populations: “Nature depletion in Wiltshire is alarming, and residents genuinely care. If elected, I would prioritize restoration efforts, as there’s immense potential for improvement, especially on neighboring farmland with proper support.”
Brian Holmes, a 64-year-old horticulturist in the Chippenham area, plans to vote Green. “Voters are clamoring for change; I’m curious to see if they align with the optimistic outlook of the Green Party or the negative narrative from Reform. My concerns regarding climate denial with Reform echo the political climate in the U.S. under Trump.”
Farmers and rural constituents have expressed feelings of betrayal from political leaders who strongly advocated for Brexit. Promises of substantial funding for nature conservation post-Brexit have not materialized, and many farmers are now facing trade challenges stemming from recent agreements with Australia and New Zealand, alongside potential unfavorable deals with the U.S.
“The irony is that those communities most vocal in support of Brexit may suffer the most from its adverse effects,” Polanski stated. “This is largely due to leaders like Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson misleading people into believing Brexit would enhance their lives, despite clear evidence suggesting significant harm to their communities.”
While the Green Party appears to have an opening, their message has struggled to resonate as effectively as that of Reform’s leader, who boasts over a million followers on TikTok, engaging a younger demographic. Polanski recognizes this discrepancy and recently met with leftist influencer Gary Stevenson, who commands a significant online following, to discuss enhancing the Green Party’s social media strategy.
“Reform has undeniably succeeded in reaching the public,” he noted. “Their influence exceeds even that of the current government and they are dominating public discourse.”
The Green Party’s imperative at this moment is clear, according to Polanski: “Bold communication is essential as we face a political landscape where the status quo is unsustainable. The looming threats of authoritarianism and climate denial, combined with the exploitation of nature for corporate gain, necessitate a demonstrated alternative.”
Expressing concern over widespread disillusionment with political figures, Polanski stated, “This is a critical juncture for the country, and the relevance of the Green Party has never been greater.”
Source
www.theguardian.com