Hannah Spencer’s historic win in Manchester was a balm so many of us needed, and I can’t be the only person whose phone was blowing up with messages – from greens and non-greens alike – sharing joy and relief that her positive campaign of hope, community and political integrity beat the divisive tactics of reform.
But here in Edinburgh, on the same day as Manchester went to the polls, we saw a depressing outcome for voters as Labour yet again sided with the Tories and Lib Dems to push through a budget which contains nothing to be inspired by. In fact, by acquiescing to demands by the Tories, they have set up the city for cuts to services in future budgets – a fact confirmed by the Council’s legal officers in a fairly unprecedented move.
Their budget deal also confirmed a 7% rent increase for council tenants. Not only did they reject Green proposals to limit this increase to 5% – saving folk around £150 a year – but they refused to even agree to a report considering the possibility of rent reductions in future years. While budget meetings often make us feel angry or frustrated, judging from the contributions from Councillors this year the overwhelming feeling was of sadness at the inevitability of it all. While Labour say warm words about wanting to work with everyone to make the city a better place for everyone, all too often they fall back on their old political allegiances, trading votes to shore up their own position of power.
But Manchester shows us that things can be different, and we don’t need to accept the same old ways of doing things. With elections in May this year for the Scottish Parliament, and next year for Edinburgh Council, this should be a challenge to all political parties to swap out cynical tactics with genuine collaboration. Green councillors will continue fighting for what we know the city needs – better services, more support for those struggling to get by, and making decisions based on integrity. Here’s to hope.