‘Concerned’ - South Tyneside’s Green Party leader calls on Reform to keep climate initiatives
The Green Party is calling for the continuation of climate initiatives in South Tyneside.
The leader of the South Tyneside Green Party has urged Reform UK to continue with climate initiatives after it takes control of the borough’s council.
Rachael Taylor, who was re-elected in the Biddick and All Saints ward, has expressed her concerns over green energy plans in South Tyneside.
Following the ballot count at South Shields’ Temple Park Leisure Centre on Friday, May 8, the Green Party are the official opposition in the borough as they gained seats to reach a total of 10.
‘We are in the midst of a climate emergency’
Rachael has vowed to continue pushing for and championing green initiatives across South Tyneside following her re-election.
She said: “I am a little bit concerned about what the future holds but I hope it will be positive for South Tyneside.
“I hope that all of the green initiative and things for the climate stay - I hope that they aren’t just going to be dismissed because they are really important.
“We are in the midst of a climate emergency and we need to realise that.
“As a Green councillor, I will be there at the forefront to push that the whole time I’m in office.”
‘Greens will be ready’
Rachael also took the time to thank voters across South Tyneside for once again putting their faith in Green Party candidates.
She added: “I’m quite positive because the Greens are a really strong party - people see that we can be trusted and are hardworking.
“We’ve made gains here [in South Tyneside] and hopefully it will go from strength-to-strength next year.
“There has been some murmurs here that there could be by-elections over the course of the year so the Greens will be ready and waiting for that.
“We’re really pleased that people have put their confidence in the Green Party again and gave us their vote.”
Following the 2026 local elections, the new make up of South Tyneside Council is the Labour Party with one seat, the Green Party with 10 seats, Reform UK with 41 seats and two independent candidates.