Green Party will 'work with anyone' on council

The Green Party has celebrated a landmark performance in the 2025 local elections in a county, emerging as the third largest party on a unitary authority.

The party took eight seats on North Northamptonshire Council, double that of Labour.

It also picked up 19 of the 20 seats on Kettering Town Council.

Emily Fedorowycz, Green Party leader on North Northamptonshire Council said: "We're very appreciative. We've always said we would work with anyone to get things done for the good of the community."

Kettering Town Council serves a community of about 50,000 electors and consists of 20 councillors, elected for a term of four years.

Town councillors are all elected members and they receive no financial allowances for their term in office.

Town councils take responsibility for providing and maintaining local amenities such as open spaces, allotments, public clocks, village halls, footpaths and litter bins.

They also provide community buildings and a wide range of facilities, from cemeteries and allotments to grants and community groups.

Responding to planning applications and accessing grant funding for projects can also fall under their remit.

Town councils can influence local laws and policies that address community needs, such as zoning regulations, public safety measures, and environmental policies.

They also raise a precept - a form of council tax - to help fund its operation and oversee the allocation of funds for various services, ensuring taxpayers' money is spent effectively.

While the Greens do not have control of North Northamptonshire Council, they can propose items to the local authority.

However, the party does have a majority on Kettering Town Council.

Ms Fedorowycz said: "We want to act as a spark for local action - we will push for funding to empower local people and businesses, and work proactively to get more done for the town.

"We want to have a positive influence on North Northants Council, especially on big issues like improving our town centre, creating opportunities for young people and, of course, getting our roads fixed.

"Kettering Town Council already has money allocated to doing more for young people in Kettering, and as Greens we want to support our younger generations."

Green councillors credit grassroots engagement and voter disillusionment with traditional parties for their success.

"It's been a huge team effort," said Ben Jameson, 29, who was elected to represent Ise ward in Kettering.

"[Kettering was where the party has] been the most active and had the most presence. People are so fed up and disenfranchised – they voted for change, whatever that looks like."

Mr Jameson, who entered politics just over a year ago, added: "We need to look at how we make people feel valued again and how we make sure they have a voice."

Following the local elections, Reform UK now controls North Northamptonshire Council - with 39 councillors.

While the party's national policies differ significantly, Ms Fedorowycz said the Greens are prepared to work across party lines where needed.

"We've always said we would work with anyone to get things done for the good of the community. Once you're elected as a councillor, you need to put the politics aside and work together for the good of the area," she said.

She added: "Obviously we're not really aligned with [Reform] on a national level, but that isn't relevant locally. We want to be the experienced person in the room and guide them, making sure local people don't miss out."

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.