Green councillor elected as MEP

Herefordshire Green councillor Ellie Chowns has been elected to the European Parliament.

The Bishops Frome and Cradley ward councillor, who was just announced as cabinet member for communications on Friday, will now have a seat representing the West Midlands in Brussels.

Coun Chowns, who becomes the region’s first Green MEP, is standing down from her roles as cabinet Member and leader of the Green group on the county council with immediate effect but will continue to serve as her ward.

“The Green Party’s success in this European election shows that the people of the West Midlands want something new – a positive alternative to the broken politics of the past,” she said?

“That’s also what Herefordshire voted for three weeks ago, when the Conservative stranglehold on local politics was broken.

“I’m proud to have been part of negotiating the new cross-party administration in Herefordshire.”

Coun Trish Marsh will take her place in both roles, as per arrangements already agreed with the council leader, cabinet and rest of the Green group.

“I know Trish will do a brilliant job as Leader of the Green Group and as Cabinet Member for Economy and Communications, and I’m grateful to her – and all my colleagues – for their support,” Coun Chowns added.

Coun Marsh said: “Ellie’s election as MEP follows on from fantastic Green success in the recent local elections.

“Here in Herefordshire, we are delighted to have formed a cross-party administration together with the Herefordshire Independents group and It’s Our County.

“This kind of co-operation is the politics of the future.

“I very much look forward to serving in the cabinet and helping to build a better, fairer and greener Herefordshire.”