New leader of South Tyneside Council's Green Party Group announced

Councillor Rachael Taylor was elected as the new leader of the local authority's Green Group of councillors at a meeting earlier this week.

Cllr Taylor, a representative for the Biddick and All Saints ward and former co-deputy leader of the group, will now take on the top role leading the party into the next round of local elections.

The news comes after councillor David Francis, Beacon and Bents ward councillor and the local authority's first ever elected Green councillor, chose to step down from the leader role.

Cllr Francis had made the decision earlier this year (2025) to stand down by not seeking re-election in 2026 but said he felt it was "prudent to make space for someone new to come forward."

A statement from the South Tyneside Green Party said it was felt that Cllr Taylor had the "skills, experience and passion to lead the party at a local level".

It was noted that Cllr Francis will help aid the transition, supporting Cllr Taylor by serving in the deputy group leader position, but that Cllr Taylor also has party backing to "develop the role as she sees fit."

Councillor Shirley Ford, previously co-deputy leader of the Green Group, stepped down from the role with Cllr Francis expected to serve as sole deputy group leader until the May, 2026, local elections.

Cllr Taylor said she was "honoured" to take on the group leader role and expressed "heartfelt thanks to David Francis for his trustworthy, honest, and inspiring leadership".

"David has set a great example as both a councillor and a leader, and I will do my utmost to continue helping our borough and its residents," Cllr Taylor added.

"I’m very grateful that he’ll continue to support me as deputy leader as we move forward together.”

Cllr Francis said it had "been an honour to lead the Green Group as we’ve grown from one to nine councillors, showing that people in South Tyneside want a principled, community-focused alternative".

"I’m proud to hand over leadership to Rachael Taylor, whose integrity, courage and commitment to social and environmental justice make her the ideal person to take us forward—I’m excited to support her as deputy," Cllr Francis added.

Cllr Taylor, looking to the future, said the borough's "Green team" is "truly amazing" and that "councillors and volunteer supporters work tirelessly for our communities".

"I’m proud to stand alongside such dedicated, caring people, and I look forward to building on our success and continuing to grow our supporter base," she added.