The Green Party have won the Stroud District Council elections securing their best ever set of results but do not have enough seats to control the authority outright.

The Greens won 22 of the 51 seats on offer at Ebley Mill and are the largest party for the first time ever while Labour secured 20.

The Conservatives suffered a huge blow and could only keep seven of the 18 they previously held while the Liberal Democrats won two seats.

Green council leader Catherine Braun, whose Wotton-under-Edge ward was the last to be declared, thanked all the voters who put their trust in them.

“It’s been a fantastic result for the Greens,” she said.

“We have made gains in councils across the country and breakthroughs in other authorities.

“People are voting in increasing numbers for the Green Party and I think that’s because they are looking for a positive political vision.

“They can see the big picture, they can see we want action on community wellbeing, climate and nature and helping young people, residents with health issues and housing.”

She said her group will take a moment to celebrate the results and will talk to all groups.

“I’m prepared to continue in the role as council leader, I need to know if I have support from all the other groups.”

Labour group leader Steve Robinson who was re-elected in Nailsworth was really pleased with his party’s “amazing results”.

Gazette Series: Steve RobinsonSteve Robinson (Image: Carmelo Garcia)
“We were a group of four and I came here today hoping we’d get into double figures - and we’ve got 20 councillors!”

When asked if they would form an alliance administration with the Green Party he declined to say.

“We’ve got 20 councillors and we will work for the best of Stroud, like we’ve always done,” he added.

Conservative group leader Lindsey Green, who held her Berkeley Vale seat, said she was really disappointed by her party’s results.

“A lot of really hard working Conservatives have lost their seats today,” she said.

“It’s really disappointing for them. I’m really disappointed.”

Cllr Green said she has spoken to the leaders of both Green Party and Labour and does not rule out joining a coalition with them.

“That would have to come from them,” she added.

Going into the elections, the Conservatives have 18 seats, the Greens 14, there are four Community Independents, four Independent Left councillors, four Labour members, three Liberal Democrats and two non-specified councillors.