Adrian Ramsay :: Green Party Deputy Leader :: MP candidate for Norwich South

Helping lead the party to greater success

Dear Member,

The position of Deputy Leader requires a candidate with effective organisational skills and the ability to communicate our political vision in a way that is accessible to the general public and inspirational to party members.

I believe I have the necessary experience to do this and to help take the Green Party forward to greater success in the future.

Widespread support

Norwich is close enough to London to be able to get to meetings and media opportunities at fairly short notice – but, as the capital of East Anglia, Norwich is far enough away from London and distinctive enough to show that Greens are not just from the South East. Norwich has some of the most deprived council estates in Eastern Region – several of which have elected Green Councillors, because we have shown our commitment to social justice as well as environmental sustainability.

In the 2008 local elections, the Green Party obtained over 10,000 votes across Norwich (more than any other party). Having a Deputy Leader who has played a leading role in a local election campaign that has brought such widespread support will be a definite help in breaking national stereotypes about Green voters.

Experience: in the media, in party organisation and in putting Green policies into practice

As Leader of the Opposition on Norwich City Council I am used to local and regional media work in day-to-day life. I also have significant experience of national media, including live and recorded national television interviews and national radio debates on a range of issues. I have developed strong organisational skills in the leading role I have played in Norwich Green Party. Since I joined ten years ago I have concentrated my efforts on the grassroots level: in helping Norwich Green Party grow from a dormant local party to holding 15 local council seats (13 City and 2 County) and official opposition status today.

Most importantly, I have experience of putting Green policies into practice as a prominent elected politician.

Target Parliamentary Candidate

In order to be taken seriously as a national party we need to secure Westminster representation as soon as possible. It therefore makes sense for the leadership team to be target Parliamentary candidates.

I am the Green Party candidate for the Norwich South Westminster constituency where in the 2008 local elections the Green Party obtained 33% of the vote and was three thousand votes ahead of Labour. I will be seen as a credible Deputy Leader because national as well as local journalists are already referring to me as a likely future MP.

An effective party

Our message is an urgent one. We need to be effective and organised as a party to get Greens elected to all levels of Government so we can champion and implement Green solutions to the world's problems. Too often local parties are left to reinvent the wheel as they work to get Greens elected to their local council. Efforts are being made to spread best practice but we need to do more to help local parties and to communicate how our current success stories have come about and how Green Councillors have made a real impact at grassroots level. As a party we also need to be focused on securing the breakthrough into Westminster so ensure we are taken seriously as a national party. Winning in our three target General Election constituencies is the best way to build the party's profile and credibility  across the country. As Deputy Leader, I can bring experience of winning elections to the national party - and holding the position of Deputy Leader would add credibility to our campaign in the Norwich South target constituency and help bring that crucial breakthrough into Westminster a step closer.

Clear political vision

The Green Party has a clear vision for a sustainable and just future. We have clear policies for tackling poverty (locally and globally), environmental degradation and animal cruelty. We can offer solutions to the problems faced by society today – but we need to put across our message in a way that illustrates this. See the Values section to read about key policy areas for me.

A united, inclusive party

There were understandably strong views on both sides of the leadership referendum debate. I believe that, as Green Party members, far more unites us than divides us. We need to have leadership at a national level that is inclusive, accountable and effective.  At a local level I work hard to involve councillors and party members in the running of Norwich Green Party. As Deputy Leader I would see myself as playing a key role as part of a group, working alongside all members of the party Executive to make the party more effective and successful.

We also need to put in place the values and proposals that the twos sides of the referendum debate shared. For example, I would support the introduction of a Green Shadow Cabinet, as proposed by Green Empowerment,  so that we can have the benefit of a range of specialist speakers, accountable to the party, and so we are not reliant on two leadership figures for all the media coverage and speaking opportunities!

I would very much appreciate your support in the election for Deputy Leader.  Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to help in the campaign.

Adrian Ramsay.