News / General Election 2015
Green Party leader visits Bristol
Green Party candidates, members and supporters gathered by the large ballot box on the centre on Saturday morning to greet their leader Natalie Bennett and ensure they got their placards in shot behind her for the inevitable photo opportunity from the gathered press pack.
As with most of this General Election, it was a carefully stage-managed appearance by Bennett, who was introduced by Bristol West candidate Darren Hall – the Green’s great hope for a second seat at Westminster.
At least Bennett appeared in a public place, unlike David Cameron and Ed Miliband who were bused in and out of the Bristol & Bath Science Park within days of each other at the start of this election campaign.
is needed now More than ever
In her speech, Bennett outlined the Green’s commitment to re-regulate bus companies to end the dominance of private bus operators over routes, timetables and fares.
To cheers from the party faithful, she also announced the Green’s plan to make local public transport free for under-18s and students.
Transport was also a theme when Bristol24/7 was granted an audience with Green Party grandee Jonathon Porritt.
We met the environmentalist and writer, and former director of Friends of the Earth, in Bordeaux Quay – a suitably environmentally-friendly restaurant whose sustainability credentials include a rainwater-harvesting tank that collects the water from the roof and uses it to flush the toilets inside.
Porritt is no longer an active member of the party but on this occasion he was in Bristol to take part in a BBC debate as part of the Food Connections festival, so combined it with a bit of campaigning. “General elections I get going again,” he said, “so I can help a bit.”
He described Hall’s chances in Bristol West as a “run-them-close prospect”.
If the Greens are going to make a major breakthrough in Thursday’s General Election, Porritt confirmed the feeling that it could well come in Bristol West.
“Bristol has had a strong tendency towards thinking green going back a very long time. That creates a base which a lot of new campaigns can be built on and I think that’s what is happening now.”
As soon as polls close on May 7, Bristol24/7 will be bringing you all the latest general election news, views and results as they happen throughout the night.
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
