Northway Election July 10th 2025
Northway Ward – Tewkesbury Borough Council By-Election
Following the sad passing of Councillor Elaine MacTiernan, a vacancy has arisen for the Northway Ward on Tewkesbury Borough Council.
A by-election will be held on Thursday, 10th July 2025.
Our Green Candidate is James Robins
I have lived and worked in Gloucestershire for most of my life, including 19 years working in local factories. At the start of my career I was elected as a trade union representative and worked tirelessly to improve conditions for the workforce and to support people when they needed help. Later I moved to operations management, including leading a successful start-up that created 70 jobs for local people.
I care deeply about our community. I believe the best way to make things better is by listening to what matters to you and working together to solve problems. Good politics is about bringing people together and doing the right thing, rather than sowing division and hatred.
Checks out the Facts against the Fiction and Latest news from James
What Greens Have Achieved in Tewkesbury
🌱 From 1 to 4 seats in 2023
The Green Party grew from one to four seats on Tewkesbury Borough Council – showing growing public trust in their positive impact.
🌍 Declared Climate and Ecological Emergencies
In 2019, led by Cllr Cate Cody, Greens secured a Climate Emergency declaration and a formal carbon reduction plan. In 2023, this was extended to cover the whole borough and include an Ecological Emergency. Dedicated officer roles were created both times. Cllr Cody now serves as Lead Member for Climate and Ecology.
🚗 Street-by-street community support
Cllrs Hilarie Bowman and Helena Sundarajoo work daily to address parking, traffic, and planning issues in Wheatpieces and Newtown, responding promptly to residents via email, meetings, and on-site visits.
🤝 Backing local causes
Green councillors support grassroots initiatives such as Tewkesbury Colts Football Club and volunteer groups, improving facilities, securing funding, and lifting community morale.
🔥 Driving climate action results
Thanks to Green councillors, Tewkesbury Borough Council’s UK Climate Emergency Scorecards ranking has risen from 10% to 28%, and most recently to 44%, showing real progress.
🔍 Ensuring transparency and accountability
Cllr Matt Dimond-Brown chairs the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, holding the Council’s executive to account and ensuring decisions are transparent and in the public interest.
🎶 Community wellbeing initiatives
Tewkesbury Greens run a free monthly Daytime Dance (initially a warm space that continues) and host Tewkesbury Goes Wild every July to celebrate nature and biodiversity.
🐸 Wildlife and road safety campaigns
Cllr Cody coordinates the annual Toads on Our Roads campaign and led Tewkesbury’s Community Speed Watch. New vehicle-activated signs are installed and awaiting County activation.
💚 Securing millions in County budget amendments (2021-2025)
Benefiting Tewkesbury and surrounding villages, including:
• £120K Tip shop pilot (reuse and repair)
• £45K Biodiversity officer
• £16K Community libraries
• £90K Secure cycle storage
• £150K E-bike ownership trial
• £100K Restoring rivers
• £100K Rights of Way improvements
• £300K Natural Flood Management
• £100K Veterans’ bus passes for jobseekers
• £100K Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust NFM schemes
• £60K Community library energy upgrades
• £50K Car club feasibility study
• £60K Community composter volunteer coordinator
• £50K Libraries of Things expansion
• £50K top-up for veterans’ bus passes
• £50K Greener Gloucestershire Climate Action Fund top-up
Why this matters
With just four councillors, Tewkesbury Greens are already delivering real change for people, nature, and our future. Imagine what more we can achieve together. 🔗 Join Us The Tewkesbury Green Party
Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
The Future of Local Government – and What It Could Mean for Tewkesbury
What changes lie ahead for local councils – and how might they affect our community in Tewkesbury?
In our latest post, we explore the differing views on England’s devolution plans, what’s driving the government’s proposals, and why some local authorities are pushing back.
👉 [Read more in our latest post]
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Green Party Latest
News
Thank You for Your Support in the County Election
To all our voters and supporters,
We want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who voted for the Green Party candidates in the May 1st, County Election.
Unfortunately, we didn’t succeed in getting any of our candidates elected this time. But your support, every single vote, shows that more and more people share our vision for a fairer, greener future. We’re proud to have increased awareness of the Green alternative and grateful to everyone who put their trust in us at the ballot box.
Your belief in our values gives us hope and determination. We will continue building on that faith, growing our presence in local communities, and campaigning for the urgent changes needed to tackle the climate crisis, strengthen public services, and give power back to local people.
This is just the beginning. Together, we will keep working for a better future — for people, for nature, and for generations to come.
With gratitude,
Tewkesbury Green Party
The Green Party – For the Common Good