Three lessons we can learn from the May elections

Now that the dust has settled a bit, what can we say about the local election results, and our impact? We’ve got plenty of evaluation still to do, but for now:

1. Progressives are winning

In London, Manchester, Birmingham and a bunch of other councils, Greens have won seats and in some places total control of the council. Our local teams in Greater Manchester, West Midlands, East London, South London and Exeter all contributed to big Green wins across the country, including electing some of our very own organisers! 

Our Glasgow and Edinburgh teams worked super hard for wins in Glasgow Southside and Edinburgh Central, and the Greens won 15 seats overall, surpassing expectations.

And of course in Wales, Plaid Cymru won the most seats in the Senedd, blocking Reform from any path to power. Our Cardiff team made a huge contribution, on polling day and in the weeks leading up to it. They’ve quadrupled in size since January, and built leadership which means that SEVEN of our team members (some of whom had never canvassed before joining the movement) were team leaders in Wales on polling day. 

A big shout out also to those movement champions who put themselves forward for election but didn’t get over the line. Your hard work absolutely made a difference, and everyone is SO proud of how you stepped up and put yourself out there. 

2. Reform haven’t matched their own expectations

I know that the number of seats Reform have won is terrifying - especially for those of you in places like Essex and Sunderland, where they are now in charge of your council. But nationally, they still only have 13% of council seats. The important thing to remember is that Reform had nothing to lose this election, as well the backing of billionaires and much of the media. Before polling day there was a real fear they would win power in Wales, and control councils like Newcastle and Birmingham. But even with everything they’ve got, they couldn’t get over the line. 

I know things seem scary, but as a movement we’ll keep organising and fighting back against the far-right.

3. Labour have got to change course

No matter who is the Prime Minister in the months to come, there are clear lessons to learn for the Government.

This election campaign has proved to Labour that they have more to lose to progressives than Reform, and that the only way to win is to be bold. And it’s clear that the results have had an effect - the chaos in the media this week as MPs work out how to oust Keir Starmer, the clear pattern of Labour losses to Greens, and Reform being beaten directly by Plaid and other progressives shows that our strategy is working. 

So what’s next? 

Our movement will build on the skills we’ve learned in the last few months, heading towards our Summer Gathering in July (if you’re under 35 and want to get involved in the movement, sign up here)

We’ll be watching the Labour leadership chaos closely - and making the case that just swapping the suit at the top won’t fix the crisis Labour face. They have to start delivering on their promise of change with bold policies that tackle the climate and inequality crises we face, or it’s all over. 

And we’ll keep campaigning for real wins from this Government, no matter who leads it - building the Green New Deal brick by brick until we win.