The local Labour party has been riven by tensions for some time now with many former activists either being expelled or leaving as the party moves to the right. I am not surprised that half of the Labour councillors have finally decided to leave an increasingly autocratic Labour Party however their timing leaves much to be desired. I first proposed that the cabinet should take a stand and resign in summer 2022 when the Labour Party interfered in local democratic decision making to stop the cooperation agreement between Greens and Labour.
Creating uncertainty now, just after passing a budget which requires eye watering savings to keep the council afloat, is highly irresponsible and increases the danger of a 114 notice being issued. In addition a new cabinet would have only 9 weeks of administration before the pre election period starts – no time to get up to speed.
There are now 6 different political groups represented on the council and all those voices need to be heard in the important decisions that need to be made in the next two months, particularly on the budget and corporate plan. There are also huge regenerations plans being consulted on over the next three months with both the public realm and Green connections project and the Station Gateway proposals currently under development. These decisions cannot be left to a group that now represents only 7 out of 32 councillors.
With both Labour and Conservatives distracted from tackling the real issues that affect people’s lives in this town, whether that is decent housing for all, or the cost of living and the climate crisis, it’s clearly time for a fresh start and Hastings Green Party is focussing on making sure residents right across the town have the opportunity to vote for that come May 2024.
So there is no better time to donate to our Crowdfunder to help get those fresh Green voices elected in May 2024. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-hastings-greens-win-big-in-may-2024