East Riding Council now has a new political group as two former Yorkshire Party councillors have joined the Greens.
Councillors Andy Walker and Tim Norman, who both represent the Bridlington South ward in the council, have formed the first ever Green Party group in East Riding Council.
Both councillors were, until now, members of the Yorkshire Party which has seen its councillor figure in the East Riding go from three to zero. It was initially believed that Cllrs Walker and Norman’s other ward colleague, Cllr Rick Arrand, would make the same move to the Greens, having also left the Yorkshire Party, however Cllr Arrand will in fact sit as an Independent.
Cllr Walker, who has now become the leader of the new Green Group, said: “Climate change is the defining issue of our time, but so are affordable homes, improved NHS access and safe streets. The Green Party’s practical, community-focused approach lets us champion all of those concerns with renewed energy.”
Cllr Norman added: “Yorkshire has partial devolution, so our job is to get results on the ground – tackling the cost-of-living crisis, improving water quality and securing better transport links. The Green Party shares our determination to make council decisions work for ordinary people.”
The Hull and East Riding Green Party coordinator, Stewart Arnold has said: “We’re delighted to welcome Andy and Tim. They have represented Bridlington South with independence and integrity for years. Their decision reflects what we’re hearing on the doorstep – people are fed up with the same old politics and ready for something better.”
The councillors will be formally welcomed to the party ahead of the Full Council meeting on July 23.
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
