We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in Sutton who voted Green in the general election.

You all share our desire for a more equal, just and flourishing society, while recognising the vital importance of caring for the environment that sustains us all.

Whether it is your desire to keep fossil fuels in the ground, opposition to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or demand for an NHS that puts patients before private profit, your voice has been heard and will be represented by Sutton Greens.

Our vote share increased four-fold compared to 2010, and combined we polled 2,543 votes in Sutton’s two constituencies.

This increase is all the more significant given the close contest nationally and the continued pull of tactical voting under an antiquated first past the post system.

Under a proportional system, the Green Party would have won 25 parliamentary seats, instead of just one.

It is clear our electoral system needs reform.

It is time campaignswere run on key political issues rather than the tired, old “two-horse race”

mantra.

Looking ahead to the 2016 London Assembly elections – where there is an element of proportional representation – every vote will count, meaning voters can choose the party and values they support, rather than putting a cross by party X to stop party Y getting in.

These are exciting times for the Green Party.

We are now the fastest growing political party and have experienced another surge in membership since the election.

Thank you again for voting for what you believe in – the peaceful political revolution starts here.

ROSS HEMINGWAY and MAEVE TOMLINSON
Green Party general election candidates for Sutton