The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Green Party target more wins in city
The co-leader of the Green Party said he is targeting further electoral success in Peterborough after speaking to school pupils in the city.
Jonathan Bartley chatted with sixth formers at Ormiston Bushfield Academy in Ortongate on Monday after showing his support for the party’s new candidate for Orton Longueville in May’s city council elections, Sharon Bellamy.
It was during last year’s local elections that the first ever Green city councillor, Julie Howell, was elected, and Mr Bartley is targeting further gains this year.
He said: “We want to build on that success. We are looking forward to more wins in subsequent elections.
“What’s clear is support for the Green Party will continue to grow.”
Mr Bartley also called for a new law to force MPs to face a by-election if they are jailed, after MP for Peterborough Fiona Onasanya was given a three month prison sentence for perverting the course of justice.
He said: “There should be a much stronger right of recall.
“As for this situation she should resign. Taxpayers are now paying the MP’s salary and prison bill. This is unacceptable.”
Mr Bartley has visited Peterborough (and specifically the Ortons) twice in recent years, once to join in a campaign to keep Post Office services running, and another to call for action on fly-tipping.
Speaking about Monday’s visit to Ormiston Bushfield Academy, Mr Bartley said: “The feeling is the future of the young people has been taken away, whether on the climate or the shambles of Brexit.
“To talk to them and listen to them, they are very engaged and passionate. A number of them want to pursue political careers, which is very exciting.”
Asked also about Peterborough’s aspiration to be the UK’s Environment Capital, Mr Bartley said that the city council will need to do a lot of work to make that vision a reality.
He added: “It’s a great aspiration, but it will take serious action and will need Greens leading the way.”