Election results May 2006

Philip Booth elected to Over Stroud covering Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill

Green 418, Conservative 214, Labour (who held the post previously) 71 and Lib Dems 46 - with a much higher than average turnout of 52%.

Photo: Philip Booth pictured right giving acceptance speech on election night

Although I've been active in many community groups I've never stood in a local election before - getting 56% of the vote came as a huge surprise - a very pleasant one! I am inspired by the faith people are putting in me and hope to repay this trust by working with the community to improve our area - but also to work on broader issues.

Stroud could and should be a leader in tackling the threat of climate change. It seems astonishing to me that virtually all new developments in the area go ahead without renewable energy installed. We need to start thinking more long term and consider the sort of future we are making for our children

Greens got an average of 20% of the vote in the seats they stood in Stroud and now have 5 seats like the Lib Dems. We missed Nailsworth by a whisker, came second in three further seats and in two-thirds of those seats we were ahead of Labour. With a fairer political system we could expect those Green votes to be represented on the Council by more seats here in Stroud - and indeed in other Councils around the country. Nationally the Greens made significant gains and now have over 90 Principal Authority Councillors.

A huge thank you to all who voted Green and many thanks to all the letters, emails and phonecalls of support.

"I believe strongly that we are seeing an emergence of true community politics, and there is no better example of than than in Stroud where the Green candidate, Philip Booth, captured a seat." Ian Mean - Editor, The Citizen

"I doubt you will find better than Philip to represent Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill." Lt Col (Retd) Kevin Cranston - Mayor of Stroud

"The Green party worked very hard in Over Stroud and they probably deserved to win." Cllr. Chas Fellows, Council leader, Conservatives quoted in SNJ (10/05/06)

"Well done Philip Booth, an excellent result for Over Stroud. Philip has worked tirelessly to win this seat and it is well deserved. Described as the most prolific contributor to local newspapers in the area, Philip is well informed, up to date and passionate about sustainability and local concerns. He has made a major contribution to the Cainscross Parish Plan, helping us to write one of the most informative and sustainable plans in the country. I look forward to working with him in the future and I know Over Stroud will be glad they have such a committed and active person working on their behalf." Helen Royall, Cainscross Parish Council