The Green Party has become a major force for positive change in our area
Last year, Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) became the first in Kent to be led by the Green Party. We also won overall control of Hythe Town Council and regained a seat at Kent County Council.
We won even bigger votes in the two Hythe wards than we did when our first Green councillors were elected to FHDC in 2019, went from one to three councillors in Cheriton and saw Greens representing many more local communities, including at Hawkinge, Elham, Sellindge, Lyminge and Stelling Minnis.
As the biggest political group, we formed a minority administration with two LibDems and have been busy transforming the way in which the council works with and for residents and moving quickly to fix its finances.
At Hythe Town Council, our 12 councillors represent residents in all four wards. We became the majority in 2023 and work hard alongside independent and LibDem colleagues putting the town council right at the heart of the community.
Jenni Hawkins was elected to Kent County Council at the Hythe-West by-election and joined four other Green county councillors. She has been working hard for people in the division and more broadly, including by calling for a ban on disposable vapes, now set to become law.
It was in Hythe West that our success story began, with the election of Martin Whybrow in 2013 as Kent’s first Green county councillor. Martin soon demonstrated the difference having a Green in the room makes and now we have many more, in many more rooms.
Our success has relied upon many people, including organisers, leafleters and candidates. If you’d like to help and be part of the next chapter of our success story, please get in touch.
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Shepway Green Party News
Kent’s Green Councillors Battle Climate Effects
As Kent faces severe weather from flooding to landslides, Green Party councillors are working hard to respond and mitigate climate change effects on local communities. With record rainfall and dangerous landslides threatening homes, public awareness and concern for the environment reach new heights.
Hollyhock U-Turn: Councillors’ Action Saves Cherished Blooms
Green Party councillors, Andrew Walters and Jenni Hawkins, along with residents and Hythe In Bloom, successfully convinced the county council to reverse its decision on removing the iconic hollyhocks on Church Hill in Hythe. The preserved blooms not only enhance the town's aesthetic appeal and attract summer visitors but also provide crucial support for local pollinators, marking a triumph for community advocacy and environmental conservation.
Princes Parade Hoarding About to Come Down
The Green district council leader, Cllr Jim Martin, has announced the removal of hoardings around the cancelled Princes Parade development, starting next month. The hoardings will be replaced with a wire mesh fence due to contamination risks, and a decision on the site's future will be made after public consultation later in the year.
Green Candidate Prompts Action on Neglected Sands Motel Site
Green Party candidate Malcolm Watkinson's proactive approach led to swift action on the neglected Sands Motel site in St Mary’s Bay. Responding to community concerns, he engaged administrators, prompting what he hopes will be urgent measures to address trespassing and vandalism.
Marsh Candidate Malcolm Watkinson Calls for Action on The Saltings Security
Proactive Green Party candidate Malcolm Watkinson has taken immediate action to address security concerns at The Saltings development site in St Mary’s Bay ahead of the Romney Marsh by-election on February 22nd.
The Battle to Restore and Save Stagecoach Bus Services
Green councillors successfully advocated for the reinstatement of Stagecoach's discontinued No 10 Folkestone to Ashford bus service through Lympne. Now, they're pushing for additional services, urging community support to prevent cuts and encouraging people to 'use it or lose it'.
Committee System: Council Leader Asks for More Time
Council leader Jim Martin has asked councillors to postpone the transition to a committee system by one year, citing the need for additional time for preparation. The move towards a more democratic decision-making process, championed by Green, Labour, and Lib Dem councillors, is set to proceed, reflecting residents' support for the change.
Malcolm Watkinson to stand for Greens in Romney Marsh by-election
Shepway Green Party has announced long-time local resident and business owner Malcolm Watkinson as its candidate for February’s Romney Marsh by-election, when it looks to continue a run of success that last year saw it gain control of Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC).
Volunteer to help get Greens elected
The Green Party is 99% made up of volunteers – this is how we’ve been running for over 40 years. There is so much to do to win elections, we rely on volunteers and welcome your help. Whatever skillset or ability you have, you will be an asset to us.
To share your details with the Party so we can get in touch to about volunteering, please complete the form below and someone from your Local Party will be in touch.
Helping in your local community by delivering a few leaflets or chatting with voters on the doorstep will make a real difference to getting more Greens elected.
Local and National Issues
Eliminate fuel poverty and address the climate crisis by investing in our thriving energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.