In Wales, the Green Party celebrated wins of a total of eight seats across seven councils – Conwy, Denbighshire, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys and Swansea. The Greens previously held zero seats on Welsh local councils.
Commenting on the success, Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter said: “This election was an historic breakthrough moment for Greens in Wales with seven councils now having Greens in the room across the country.
“The result is a testament to the hard work Green candidates and activists put into their communities all year round. These communities will now see the difference that elected Greens deliver, as our new councillors work towards building greener, fairer communities.
“Voters across Wales are growing increasingly frustrated with tired, old ‘business as usual’ politics that fails our communities and are voting Green for effective local representatives that will truly engage with and work for their communities. I am confident that this breakthrough will lead to increasing and ongoing support for Wales Green Party and further, future electoral success at every level of government.
“My thanks and congratulations to all who were part of this incredible campaign. Standing as candidates, knocking on doors, delivering leaflets – you all played a vital part in delivering this success.”
Deputy Leader Helen Westhead added: “I’ve seen incredible campaigns running throughout Wales. Our diverse mix of candidates and supporters have been better organised than before and gone above and beyond in delivering the breakthrough needed at this crucial time. As well as electing Greens we built up grassroots support everywhere.
“Our fantastic candidates who just missed out this time have a platform to build on, and we have proven that grown-up progressive alliances work by securing CommonGround seats in Cardiff. Wales Green Party has never been stronger and its an incredible time for everyone involved.”
On Twitter, newly elected Welsh Greens and party members reacted:
Getting sworn in as a town councillor in Builth Wells today!
— Amerjit Kaur-Dhaliwal (@ARK_Dhaliwal) May 9, 2022