‘We remain the official opposition’ - South Tyneside Green Party reacts to Harton by-election loss
The South Tyneside Green Party has vowed to continue holding Reform UK to account as the ‘official opposition’ in the borough.
The Green Party states that it remains the ‘official opposition’ to Reform UK in South Tyneside despite defeat in the Harton by-election.
Katie Groom was elected the newest councillor in the Harton ward following a ballot count at South Shields Town Hall on Thursday, August 6.
The Reform UK candidate saw off Labour’s Neil Maxwell, who came second, and the Green Party’s Kathryn Kaupa, who received the third-highest total of votes.
‘Proud of the positive campaign’
Speaking after her by-election defeat, Kathryn commented: “Naturally I’m disappointed but I’m incredibly proud of the positive campaign we’ve run and deeply grateful to everyone who supported us.
“Over the past few weeks I’ve met so many wonderful people who care passionately about Harton and want to see our community thrive.
“That doesn’t end, I’ll continue working alongside our Green councillors and campaigners to stand up for Harton and for communities across South Tyneside.”
‘We remain the official opposition’
Cllr Rachael Taylor, Leader of the South Tyneside Green Party, has stated that the Greens remain the official opposition in the borough with 10 elected members sitting on South Tyneside Council.
She said: “While we’re naturally disappointed not to have won, this campaign has confirmed what we’ve been seeing right across South Tyneside.
“People looking for an alternative to Reform are increasingly turning to the Green Party.
“We remain the official opposition with 10 Green councillors, making us the second largest party on the council and by far the largest opposition group.
“We are the only opposition with the strength, experience and determination to hold the Reform administration to account and offer residents a positive alternative.
“Kathryn has run an outstanding campaign based on listening to local people and standing up for Harton.
“I’d like to thank every volunteer who gave their time and every resident who placed their trust in her.
“Green councillors work hard every day of the year, not just at election time. Tomorrow we’ll continue standing up for local people, challenging bad decisions and campaigning for a better South Tyneside.”
The Harton by-election result means that the make up of South Tyneside Council is Reform UK with 41 seats, the Green Party with 10 seats, the Labour Party with one seat and two independent councillors.