Green Party councillors to sit on Newark and Sherwood District Council for first time after defections from Labour and Independents for Newark and District

This week will mark a historic milestone in local politics as representatives of the Green Party sit of the council for the first time.

August saw major changes within Newark and Sherwood District Council as two cabinet members, Matthew Spoors and Emma Oldham, defected to the Greens from Labour and the Independents for Newark and District respectively.

Green leaders say the gain of two councillors represents a wider appeal for green politics across the district and nationally.

Maureen Tomeny, coordinator of local Green Party, said: “We’ve seen a strong increase in membership numbers in both Newark and Sherwood Green Party and across the UK since the General Election, when the party achieved its goal of getting four Green MPs elected to Westminster.

“We are delighted to welcome Emma and Matthew as local party members and look forward to working with them to serve the residents of their wards.

“There are now over 750 Green Party councillors across the country — it’s fantastic to have two hard working Green Party members on Newark and Sherwood Council.

“With the hard work of Emma and Matthew, the people of Newark and Sherwood can look forward to a greener future.”

Both Matthew Spoors and Emma Oldham sit on the district council’s planning committee, which is meeting for the first time since the changes this Thursday. It will be the first time that Green councillors have sat on the district council.

Emma Oldham, who represents Coddington and Balderton North, will lead the Green group on the district council.

In her time as portfolio holder for biodiversity and environmental services — a role which she will retain — she has forwarded green initiatives and with a focus on enhancing public access to nature, improving playparks and greenspaces, addressing water pollution, increasing biodiversity, and expanding education on envrionmental issues.

Emma, said: “The Green Party has been a source of inspiration to me for over a decade.

“Their unwavering commitment to the environment, disability and women's rights, housing, public services, and water quality, along with their bold stance against fascism and racism, has continually impressed me, making this transition feel like a natural step.”

“Aligning myself with the Green Party feels like an evolution in my journey. Not a departure, but an expansion. A way to amplify the impact of our local policies for the benefit of both our environment and our residents.”

Matthew Spoors, who has represented the Devon Ward since May 2023, stepped down as the portfolio holder for sustainable economic development when he moved political parties.

He said: “I have joined the Green Party because I believe that the priorities of the many are best served by a party which does not serve the interests of banks or big business - but the needs of people and the planet.

“We need system change. Tinkering around the edges and short-term fixes will alleviate some of the symptoms of decline, but they cannot cure the disease.

“Unchecked consumption and the belief in constant growth in a finite world can only lead to catastrophic failure. The Green Party is the only credible organisation that is working towards real and sustainable change.”

East Midlands Green Party regional co-chairman, Frank Adlington-Stringer, added: “The Green Party is going from strength to strength across the East Midlands; from 50,000 votes in the Mayoral election to two new Green Party councillors in Newark and Sherwood.

“We are all delighted to welcome hard working and community focused councillors, Emma and Matthew, to the Party. I congratulate the pair for leading the way in offering real hope and real change to their communities.”