In Wales, the Green Party celebrated wins of a total of eight seats across seven councils – Conwy, Denbighshire, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys and Swansea. The Greens previously held zero seats on Welsh local councils.
Commenting on the success, Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter said: “This election was an historic breakthrough moment for Greens in Wales with seven councils now having Greens in the room across the country.
"The result is a testament to the hard work Green candidates and activists put into their communities all year round. These communities will now see the difference that elected Greens deliver, as our new councillors work towards building greener, fairer communities.
"Voters across Wales are growing increasingly frustrated with tired, old ‘business as usual’ politics that fails our communities and are voting Green for effective local representatives that will truly engage with and work for their communities. I am confident that this breakthrough will lead to increasing and ongoing support for Wales Green Party and further, future electoral success at every level of government.
"My thanks and congratulations to all who were part of this incredible campaign. Standing as candidates, knocking on doors, delivering leaflets – you all played a vital part in delivering this success."
Deputy Leader Helen Westhead added: "I've seen incredible campaigns running throughout Wales. Our diverse mix of candidates and supporters have been better organised than before and gone above and beyond in delivering the breakthrough needed at this crucial time. As well as electing Greens we built up grassroots support everywhere.
"Our fantastic candidates who just missed out this time have a platform to build on, and we have proven that grown-up progressive alliances work by securing CommonGround seats in Cardiff. Wales Green Party has never been stronger and its an incredible time for everyone involved."
On Twitter, newly elected Welsh Greens and party members reacted:
🎉 Congratulations to Nathan Goldup-John elected to Neath Port Talbot Council!
💚 Our first ever Young Green elected in Wales and a breakthrough on to the Council as well! We're incredibly excited to see the brilliant things Nathan will do in the Council. #GetGreensElected pic.twitter.com/J65amabKI6
— Young Greens 🌱 (@YoungGreenParty) May 6, 2022
Swansea’s first Wales Green Party councillor ever, Chris Evans, who represents Mayals. pic.twitter.com/kpMaDJNZic
— Richard Youle (@YoulePost) May 6, 2022
A huge thank you to everyone. I’m looking forward to taking up my post on Monday and working hard for my community. 💚
— Ros Griffiths-Williams (@RosGriffWil) May 8, 2022
After becoming Newport’s first ever Green Party councillor, Lauren James said she was “excited, elated, tired” but energised at the feedback she’d had from residents.
More here: https://t.co/lK0EQApOj5 pic.twitter.com/5q4GJqyI80
— Newport Online (@NewportOnline) May 6, 2022
Humbled and honoured to be elected as Prestatyn’s first @TheGreenParty County Councillor. Myself and the campaign team have worked tremendously hard since August to offer voters a glimpse of a greener, fairer type of politics in a traditionally Conservative area.
— Jon Harland (@JonHarland1) May 8, 2022
Getting sworn in as a town councillor in Builth Wells today!
— Amerjit Kaur-Dhaliwal (@ARK_Dhaliwal) May 9, 2022
We OFFICIALLY have a Green councillor on Conwy County Borough Council, for the very first time.
Llongyfarchiadau on your swearing in, Cllr. Griffiths-Williams! @RosGriffWil pic.twitter.com/a2RM7KM1Sc
— North West Wales Green Party (@NWWGreenParty) May 9, 2022
