Brighton and Hove Greens announce leadership election results

The Green Party has re-elected Jason Kitcat as convenor – or leader – of the local party.

He saw off a challenge from his former deputy Phélim Mac Cafferty.

Councillor Kitcat won the vote of 12 of the 21 members of the Green group on Brighton and Hove City Council. Eight voted for Councillor Mac Cafferty and one voted to reopen nominations.

Among the wider local party membership, 45.5 per cent voted for Councillor Kitcat and 53 per cent voted for Councillor Mac Cafferty.

Under the electoral college system adopted by the local party, weighting the vote 50:50 among councillors and party members, Councillor Kitcat was elected with 51.3 per cent to 45.5 per cent to Councillor Mac Cafferty. The remaining votes were to reopen nominations.

Councillor Ruth Buckley was elected as one of two deputy convenors, along with Councillor Ian Davey.

Councillor Buckley will be responsible for external communications after defeating the incumbent, Councillor Lizzie Deane.

Councillor Davey remains responsible for internal communications. He saw off a challenge from Councillor Liz Wakefield and Councillor Leo Littman.

The local party said: “As the Greens form a minority administration these councillors will be proposed at annual council as the leader and deputies of the council for 2014-15.”

Councillor Kitcat said: “I’d like to thank all candidates who stood in our annual convenor elections.

“I’m delighted to have been re-elected with the highest ever support from Green Group members.

“I am committed to working with all Green colleagues through the challenges our city faces in the coming year.”

Councillor Mac Cafferty said: “I’m pleased and grateful that I have received the support and confidence of the Green Party membership.

“A huge thank you to my many supporters. Working with the Green group I look forward to taking our shared vision forward.”

Councillor Davey said: “I’m delighted to receive the support of colleagues.

“With more government cuts heading our way, the year ahead will be an extremely challenging one.

“I will work hard over the next year with Jason, Ruth and our fellow Green councillors to continue do our best for the city.”

Councillor Buckley said: “I’m delighted to have been elected to take on the role of external comms.

“Having led on successful campaigns and been involved in community issues since being elected, I’m looking forward to promoting the Green message throughout the city.

“We have many important messages we need to communicate, both in Brighton and Hove and to a larger audience, especially in light of next year’s savage government cuts.”