Green Party declare two-party system 'dying' after historic election gains
2 min read
The Green Party have declared the two-party political system is "dying" after they racked up a historic election result.
Amelia Womack, the deputy leader of the Green Party, said increasing concerns about climate change alongside the party's Brexit stance had helped drive their record performance
Council results continue to be counted, but the pro-Remain party have gained over 150 seats across England - including in Leave voting areas in the North East.
Speaking to talkRadio, Ms Womack said: "Two-party politics is dying. We need a proportional system to make sure people's votes are truly represented.
"I've been travelling the whole country talking to people on doorsteps and it had not been about the other parties.
"I wouldn't say it's a protest vote... It has been about the strength of our party."
The Green surge comes amid devastating results for the Conservatives who have so-far lost over 1000 councillors as well as losing their majority on 34 councils.
Labour also failed to meet expectations, losing over 100 seats and conceding control of four councils.
But a BBC projection for how the votes would translate into a national election result give both parties a 28% share of the vote.
Green Party co-leader Jonathan Bartley said: "This is the biggest election night in our history. Greens are winning right across the country, and taking seats from a wide range of other parties.
"The Green message is clearly taking hold and can win anywhere.
"Voters see that we need a new kind of politics, one that recognises the huge imperative of acting on climate change, but also the social emergency that is creating misery and suffering in communities across the country."
He added: "It is also clear that Brexit has played a significant role in these elections. Greens have been clear in standing up for the UK's membership of the European Union and will continue to do so."
Meanwhile, the poor performance from Labour and the Conservatives has also given the Liberal Democrats a significant boost - winning over 560 seats and taking control of ten new councils.
Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable hailed the result as the "big success story" of the election as he vowed to use the momentum to take his anti-Brexit message into the European Parliament elections later this month.
"We are very clear about the way forward. We want to stop Brexit and we want a People's Vote so people can decide which way we go on the matter," he said.
Independent candidates also benefited from the turbulent political situation with almost 491 new councillors elected.
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