As you are no doubt aware, the South Devon Primary earlier this month saw Caroline Voaden and the Liberal Democrats come out on top with a vote share a little under 80%. The Green Party, represented by me, took 20% of the votes.

Whilst that may seem poor, the question asked was not which party people wanted elected, but which stood the greatest chance of beating Anthony Mangnall. In that light, to take 20% of the votes from a party targeting South Devon – with paid campaign staff, constituency offices, and an election budget probably approaching £100k – should be seen as an achievement. Added to which, I learnt as I went through the seven hustings, after an admittedly slow start in Totnes, I took 27% of the vote in South Brent and almost 30% in Brixham. I see that as a real endorsement for what we’re working for.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those Green Party members who took part in the Primary, and for the messages of support I received afterwards. In particular (and because he asked me to), I would like to share the message I received from local campaigner Jim Funnell (jimfunnell.net):

“As a non-member, I am nonetheless extremely proud of the Green Party for everything that it continues to achieve. Green Party councillors fight hard for residents at all times, and are some of the most compassionate and effective political representatives we could hope for.

“And your presence (Robert) at the Primary, compassion, fortitude and professional representation of values, principle and thorough, authentic knowledge of policy and constituents’ concerns has done everyone a huge service right across South Devon in returning healthy political discourse to politics.

“Thank you – because what you have done is shown that smaller parties have all the qualities to lead a country out of crises, and that all that is now needed is the national platform to demonstrate this.”

With all that in mind, I would emphasise that despite losing the Primary I am continuing to canvass in our target areas (it was always understood that the loser would continue to do so). Whilst gaining votes in the General Election, whenever it is called, is important from the point of view of retaining our deposit and gaining Short Money (parties are paid a token amount for each vote gained), what is even more important is being visible, and finding out where our support is for the next round of local elections.

– Robert Bagnall, GP Parliamentary Candidate for South Devon

If you’d like to get in touch with us to help canvas for Robert’s campaign, you can contact him directly at robert.bagnall@southdevon.greenparty.org.uk or contact our chair, Paul Wynter at chair@southdevon.greenparty.org.uk.

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