Robert Pass. Pic: Lichfield and Burntwood Green Party

The Green Party say they have seen “significant” support in Lichfield and Burntwood.

Robert Pass will be the first ever representative of the party to stand in the constituency since it was formed in 1997.

Robert Pass. Pic: Lichfield and Burntwood Green Party
Robert Pass. Pic: Lichfield and Burntwood Green Party

But despite his newcomer status, his campaign team say they are quietly confident.

In a message to supporters on Facebook, they said: “You’ve done an amazing job so far helping us get the Green Party message out to the voters of Lichfield and Burntwood.

“There is clearly a significant amount of support out there for us – anyone who witnessed the reception Rob got at last Saurday’s hustings will testify to that.

“We just need to keep the pressure up for a few more days.”

The candidates standing in the Lichfield constituency in May are:

  • Andy Bennetts – Class War
  • Michael Fabricant – Conservatives
  • Robert Pass – Green Party
  • John Rackham – UKIP
  • Paul Ray – Lib Dem
  • Chris Worsey – Labour

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

12 Comments
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John
8 years ago

The Greens have been a breath of fresh air in this election. They present a genuine alternative to the tired ‘business as usual’ politics of the Tories, Labour and Lib Dems.

I’ve got grandkids, it strikes me that only the Greens are thinking of their long term future.

Bob
8 years ago

Rob Pass is a brilliant candidate, and as John comments he is a breath of fresh air in the District. Greens may not have much success nationally, but they’ll be getting my vote in Lichfield. We’ve had Fabrican’t for much too long, it’s time for change.

Lichfield resident
8 years ago

I find it astonishing how any half educated person could vote for the complete and utter shambles that is the Green Party! Not even the leader Natalie Bennett can’t articulate how their major policies on a national income and housing policy would be funded. The Greens are for the UK having the worlds only completely open boarder immigration policy – no boarder checks at all- meaning the UK is the the only destination for the worlds poor and dispossessed! How do we preserve the greenbelt???

Mike
8 years ago

If “Lichfield resident” was a little more than “half educated” he/she could read the Green party manifesto and find the answers to all those questions. Unfortunately they would need to be brave enough to set aside their bigotry and fear of change first. The Greens have no open border policy on immigration but DO have intelligent joined up planning on the green belt and housing. Don’t just listen to the media scare mongering about them, try finding out some facts for yourself.

Andy Bennetts
8 years ago

I believe the Greens when they say they’re seeing significant support. Despite the comment from Lichfield resident it’s been clear at hustings events that the Greens message does strike a chord with many people, and why wouldn’t it? Their core message that the country is currently run for the benefit of the rich few to the detriment of the many, especially the most poor and vulnerable isn’t a radical position to take, it’s stating the obvious.

It’ll be very interesting to see what the Greens in Lichfield do post election. I hope they manage to maintain momentum.

BrownhillsBob
8 years ago

‘Not even the leader… can’t articulate’

Comedy gold.

Melissa
8 years ago

It was good to meet Robert Pass in Lichfield today – also met Michael Fabricant whose staff were knowledgeable, polite and helpful where he turned his back on me! Robert was affable, eager to share his views and willing to listen – he also came across as having a good grasp on his and his parties vision – possibly changed my vote today! If only we could see into the future…..

Burntwood Resident
8 years ago

The Green party have gained support primarily because of the support they have promised for the NHS, along with railway nationalisation and raising the minimum wage. However the current system has been built up in such a way(purposely) that it is nearly impossible to change in a significant way, without risking major financial problems. Although I am quite tempted by the vision, I see no logical explanation of how it would be achieved. I would also like the electoral system to be amended (PR), so that the smaller parties have a chance and that in a democracy we should also be allowed to vote “no party” (see http://www.blankvote.org.uk/ )

Billy
8 years ago

I urge all Lichfield voters to seriously consider putting their cross next to Robert Pass on Thursday. If a national Green vote isn’t what you’re completely convinced by, consider this: He’s the ideal candidate for Lichfield; young, knowledgable, and not corrupted by the prospect of a financially-rewarding long career in Westminster politics.
As Bob says above, Fabricant’s had his time, it’s time for Lichfield to head in a different direction with a Green-focused MP who will think of Lichfield first-and-foremost, and not wasting time on his celebrity presence and scratching backs in the Commons.

Rob Marsden
8 years ago

Andy is quite right, we in the Green party do need to maintain momentum after the elections, and I think we will best be able to do this if we get stuck into local campaigns. We are not a purely electoral party and I for one think that what differentiates us, on issues like HS2 for example where even Tory and Labour oppose it, is a willingness to run grassroots campaigns including direct action.
To Burntwood Resident, if you have concerns about how the Greens would implement their vision, do get in touch. You can see our full manifesto here: https://www.greenparty.org.uk/assets/files/manifesto/Green_Party_2015_General_Election_Manifesto_Searchable.pdf Everything is set out clearly and in detail, including where we propose to raise the money.

mat hayward
8 years ago

As someone who believes he is more than “Half brained”, perhaps one should consider that the other parties have history. History of lying and betraying the very people who vote for them. The Greens stand for a total change of direction. One that at least begins to realise the reality that we face. The mad scramble for the worlds limited resources is only going to get worse. The brakes need applying. We need to stop and turn the ship around. I believe the greens seek influence above power. Others seek power above anything.

Lynda Jones
8 years ago

In my view, the Green Party offer the only hope for a sustainable future. The huge challenges that the earth faces are caused by putting growth and profit before people and values, and every political party which has governed over the last 25 years must take some share of the blame for this. Because I feel that I must do all I can to protect my children and grandchildren, I joined the green Party – the first political party I have ever joined. I believe that Rob Pass articulates the values of the Green party with passion and commitment, and he is a highly credible candidate. The constituents of Lichfield and Burntwood would have a first rate MP if they had the vision to elect him.