Southampton Green Party and Liberal Democrats unite ahead of election

Southampton's Green Party and Liberal Democrats have announced an agreement that will see them not stand against each other in the May city council elections.

The Liberal Democrats have stood down in Portswood, Millbrook and Bitterne Park wards as a result.

The Green Party has stood down in Bassett, Swaythling and Shirley. 

In a joint statement from Katherine Barbour of Southampton Green Party and Sam Chapman of Southampton Liberal Democrats, the two parties said: "For too long, the voices of Green and Liberal voters have been excluded from the decisions of the City of Southampton.

"Whilst the two parties remain distinct with their own policies, we are united in the need for urgent action on the environment and climate change, the need for social justice and for a more diverse set of decision-makers.

READ MORE: Parties have say ahead of Southampton council elections

"On behalf of our two parties, we ask voters to consider backing our partner party's candidates in these wards. Both parties are supporting excellent and hard-working candidates who could give a lot to Southampton if elected as Councillors."

There are no Lib Dem or Green councillors in the city - and the Tories have 25 seats while Labour have 22.

The two parties are up against the Conservatives, Labour and Southampton Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition. 

Speaking on the election, a spokesperson for Southampton and District Green Party said: “Southampton needs to adapt for the coming climate emergency.

"We need to invest in insulating our homes, reduce our energy use and so save people money. 

"We need to be at the forefront of the clean-living revolution, reducing our awful air pollution and improving waste recycling. We need to address chronic problems of traffic congestion in the city, and the many social problems arising from poverty and social exclusion.

"We need to attract people to live and work in Southampton in a clean environment. Very little of this is being done by the existing Council.  This year the Green Party has a local arrangement with the Liberal Democrats to get Councillors elected with new ideas.

"This means that voting Green really matters and the Greens can win seats this year if you vote Green.

"It is so important to have Green Councillors as that influences what the Council will do and leads to a better city for us all.”

Meanwhile, the Lib Dems told the Echo that they are "demanding better for Southampton".

"We will bring our high streets into the 21st century, fight against climate change with a radical green plan, and improve public transport across Southampton - including introducing a park and ride, and a tram network.

"Liberal Democrat campaigners across Southampton are standing up against inaction and neglect from the Conservative administration on Southampton City Council.

"We have successfully campaigned for lower speed limits across Southampton, opposed Conservative plans to wreck the Bedford Place pedestrianisation, and called for shore power for cruise ships to improve air quality which has now been secured.

"We have a positive and ambitious plan to improve Southampton. We will always stand up for a fairer, more sustainable city that helps local people. If you want councillors who will put your views first, then back the Liberal Democrats in Southampton this May.