Disappointing by-election result

Chris Harmer missed being elected today in Nailsworth by 47 votes - in May he missed by 12 and prior to that Greens have missed by similar small amounts. We did run an excellent campaign with leaflets (indeed easily the best leaflets by any standards), full canvas and more this time - plus Chris Harmer who has considerable expertise and involvement locally would have made an excellent District councillor - sadly this was not enough to win.

Photo: John Marjoram at the Green party election HQ based at Anthony Hodges studio in Nailsworth

I helped 'telling' this morning and later helped remind Green voters who were perhaps leaving it a little late to go and vote - but with the flu I had earlier this month I haven't been much help with this campaign - indeed the main workers were Chris himself, Rosie Reed, John Marjoram and Phil Blomberg - they have done an excellent job so it makes it all the more disappointing not to see us get a sixth Green councillor.

The Conservatives won the election with Roland Blackwell, a well known local farmer who is now the third of three Conservative District councillors in Nailsworth - Proportional Representation would have seen a very different result with Green votes across the District getting the representation they deserve.

Anyhow when I used to live in Nailsworth I met with Roland at his house many years ago with others to see if a Farmers Market could be started in the town - indeed soon after that a small 'Country Market' was started which has now become a Farmers Market. I wish him all the best in his new role - but now it's long past bedtime!! Mind we will get that Nailsworth seat next time!!