Former Tory councillor explains why he is standing for the Green Party in Harlow
Elections / Mon 24th Apr 2023 at 08:55am
WHEN we saw that the former Toddbrook Conservative councillor Gareth Williams was standing for the Green Party in Staple Tye, we were very keen to interview him.
Mr Williams stood down as a councillor after just a short time in 2021 due to ill-health.
But he is back and ready to stand as a Green Party candidate.
A full list of candidates can be found on the Politics section of our website.
David Forman
2023-04-24 14:11:24
Mr Williams says he joined the Greens because he wanted to work with "genuinely local people." Does that mean the Conservative candidates are not local people? Or is there a pernicious undercurrent of unconscious bias that says a person is only local if they are born in Harlow? Green candidate Kim O'Connor in a comment on Jamie Gilbert's interview says: "I speak first and foremost as a local person born here." She goes on to say: "We stand for local people for local issues." Does that discount the needs and contributions of those coming to this town as children or adults from all parts of the globe? Does this mean only people born in Harlow can identify and resolve the issues affecting Harlow as is intimated by Kim O'Connor? If so, that attitude is patronizing and offensive. See Gilbert's interview at: https://www.yourharlow.com/2023/04/19/green-party-here-for-the-long-run-says-co-leader/
David Forman
2023-04-24 15:02:58
Mr Williams also says: "I think what residents are really getting tired of is the bickering between Harlow and Labour." I haven't noticed much of that!
gary roberts
2023-04-24 15:37:10
As in all political debate policy is the key, isn't it? National policies relate very little to local issues so what are the Greens' party local policy agenda? I have yet to meet the candidate for Harlow Common so I do not know if he is local to the area or if not, understands the important issues affecting the residents' in the Potter Street area. Mind you I have no faith in the Conservatives in delivering what is needed given the last two years of total inaction for my area or Labour being able to change much in Potter Street. Given that, will you vote at all? I will and I know why but I expect the turnout could be the lowest ever speaking to local people.
Mark Ingall
2023-04-24 17:29:32
That's quite a leap. From the Conservative party who wanted to "cut the green crap" to a fully fledged green.
Mark Gough
2023-04-25 13:04:58
Really weird move. From being a Tory, past the Labour and Lib.Dems to the Greens?
Kim Oconnor
2023-04-27 17:43:06
David foreman, you have twisted my words , and is unnecessary, because nothing was said to be be patronizing or offensive for that matter.
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