Setting out our message ahead of election

The Scottish Green Party has been getting more active in Rutherglen and Cambuslang as our many new members get the message out ahead of May’s Local Election.

Far more people will have the opportunity to vote for Green councillors this year than ever before, in many places for the first time.

So we’ll be setting out our priorities, and introducing your Scottish Green Party candidates over the coming months on these pages, as well as at events around the community.

Green ideas can make a really positive addition to South Lanarkshire Council, protecting public green spaces, building a more equal society, investing in needed community facilities and our neglected high streets, and working to protect our most vulnerable neighbours.

In a rapidly changing Scotland we need a local council which reflects the values and beliefs of its community and acts in their best interest.

The political landscape in Scotland has changed dramatically since the 2014 Independence Referendum and perhaps the biggest change is people’s engagement with politics.

Whichever side of the argument you were on, it was a decision that really motivated people.

I hope that engagement continues, with a record turnout in May this year which could deliver real change to how South Lanarkshire Council operates!

I would encourage everyone to ask themselves, how do I want my council to work?

With only six Green MSPs in Holyrood we can celebrate many achievements, including our most recent success, negotiating £160 million extra for local councils in the Scottish budget.

This was delivered with constructive negotiations with the Scottish Government, which no other opposition parties were willing to do.

If you want a representative who works constructively across party lines to deliver the best for your community’s interest, vote Green on May 4.