This year, we donated bundles of 1,000 petitions to our Accredited Candidates throughout the UK. This effort was funded by the LEAF - the Local Environment Action Fund - designed to assist campaigning Liberal Democrats who have committed to delivering greener, cleaner, healthier communities. Your generous donations allowed us to support 50 Accredited Candidates in the first year. We want to talk with you about some of our wins. Of our 50 supported candidates, 31 were entrusted to represent their communities as Councillors. Our Accredited Candidates won in England, Scotland, and Wales, whilst many now sit as Cabinet members in councils newly under Liberal Democrat control. From ousting the leader of the Conservative Administration in Colchester, to beating the the head of the Conservative Party HQ 'Liberal Democrat Unit' in Somerset, Green Liberal Democrats held the inaction and arrogance of this Government to account. Alongside 30% swings from Labour to win in Greater Manchester and topping the poll in a 'strong SNP' ward, no party remained safe from our campaigns. Again, that's 31 new Councillors. 62% of the Accredited Candidates that we directly supported through the LEAF won their seats. Many of these Councillors - and others besides - are joining us at our Summer School & Conference - A Turning Point. Our 'Green Debut' training will inform how you can deliver climate action on your council from administration or opposition, using the positions granted by our communities to work for greener, cleaner, healthier communities. |