Greens and Ukip hope to achieve political revolution

The Green party and Ukip are competing for the mantle of being the most significant political force outside the big three.

Ukip claims to be the fourth largest party in the UK – but the Greens have managed to get an MP elected, with leader Caroline Lucas winning the Brighton Pavilion seat at the last election.

Both parties are fielding candidates throughout the region, with the Greens particularly targeting York, Sheffield, Kirklees and Leeds while Ukip believes it will do well in Hull and parts of South Yorkshire – where in the Barnsley by-election it leapfrogged both coalition partners to take second place in the Labour stronghold.

Ukip regional organiser Jane Collins, who is standing for Barnsley Council, said it was no longer a single issue party.

“People are much more aware of European issues, they can see how it affects their day-to-day lives, how it affects the money in their pockets,” she said. “We are seeing a revolution in British politics, and the last by-election showed that we can be the third biggest party.”

In Lib Dem controlled York the vote is expected to be close – should the Lib Dems lose support it is expected to swing to the Tories and, despite only currently holding seven seats, the Conservatives are confident of making significant gains.

Labour needs six for a majority but with most of the Party’s support concentrated in the city centre, it will be difficult to make enough gains to win outright and it is being challenged by the Green Party, which holds two seats.

Councillor Dave Taylor, who is defending his seat, said he is confident the Greens can add a third and possibly two others. He believes that if votes for the main parties are split, the Greens should benefit.

“We are now the credible left wing alternative in British politics,” he said. “There is disillusionment with the main three, grey parties – the Greens have made steady progress and are respected in the city.”