David Maples, Brighton Socialist Party
With 241 gains across England the Green Party had cause for celebration. But events test political parties. The result in Brighton and Hove, where they had minority control, was in stark contrast. In 2020 the Green Party became the largest party on Brighton and Hove Council after Labour expelled Corbyn-supporting councillors. The last three years have tested the Green Party which has been found wanting.
The Tories have reduced funding to the Council by £110 million per year since 2010. Rather than mount a campaign to get this money back, the Greens have scrambled around looking for cuts. This year’s desperate measures include closing public toilets. Although Labour offered no consistent alternative, they campaigned against this.
Labour are the immediate beneficiaries but, facing 20% cuts to the core budget, they will also quickly be tested.
TUSC candidates gained 900 votes, including 277 in Moulsecoomb and Bevendean ward, and will continue to fight against austerity in Brighton, Hove and beyond.
