Greens abstain on leadership vote

19th May 2008

Sheffield Green Party councillors will abstain in the vote on which party forms the new administration at the Council's AGM. Last year the Greens also abstained, allowing Labour, who held the largest number of seats, to form the administration. This year the Lib Dems have a clear majority with 45 seats, while Labour have 36 and the Greens have 3. The Conservative and Independent lost their seats.

Green group leader, Cllr Jillian Creasy said, "The people of Sheffield have voted the Lib Dems into power and we respect that decision. But we will not align ourselves to either of the larger parties, but will continue to vote on an issue by issue basis and work with whoever supports our policies. This is what we have done ever since we were first elected".

Coun Rob Murphy, who has been newly elected as the third Green Councillor for Central ward, added,

"We have been elected to represent and serve our constituents in Central Ward, which we will do to the best of our ability. But we have consolidated our position as the third party on the Council and can offer a different, more positive vision for the whole city than the two big parties, with their 'business as usual' policies".

ENDS