In a strategic move ahead of major local and general elections, the Basildon and Thurrock Green Parties
have announced they will be merging to create the South West Essex Green Party. The merger aims to
capitalise on the increasing local support for the Greens and better manage resources ahead of Basildon’s
historic all-out council election in May.
Their new chair, Eugene McCarthy, reflects this enthusiasm: “Last year’s landmark local election results for
the Green Party are really heartening. Our merger is a response to that support, that desire for change. It
will help us to compete with larger parties who can always fall back on corporate funding.”
He emphasises the party’s dedication to popular, community-driven policies, contrasting it with previous
administrations’ blunders: “Just like a business, we have to invest. But also like a business, we have to
invest where we’re going to see the biggest benefits.
“Investing in social housing, our roads, and our local businesses ensures valuable returns for our
community, unlike expensive white elephants which we’re unfortunately all too familiar with.”
One such project McCarthy highlights is the controversial cinema in Basildon Town Centre, which he notes
cost a staggering £250 for every working person in the borough.
“It’s about time we brought common-sense accounting to the council, focusing on practical issues like the
housing crisis, local infrastructure, and delivering the basic services that residents expect.”
With this merger, the South West Essex Green Party hope to scale up their campaigns, with a clear focus
on holding Basildon and Thurrock councils to account. “With every seat in Basildon up for election in May,
there’s an unprecedented chance for voters to voice their desire for change. We’re ready to meet this
demand and drive that change.”
