On December 12th, in St. George’s ward there are two elections happening – the general election, and a local council by-election, caused by the unexpected resignation of a Labour counselor.
In the 2018 local elections the Greens were overall second in Islington, and Natasha Cox was 5% off from being elected to the council. This makes December 12th a vital opportunity to challenge the one party state in Islington, where Labour currently controls all but one seat.
This year Natasha Cox will contest the council seat again. She has lived in the area for more than 20 years, where she has helped organize the Fair Funding For All Schools campaign, volunteers with Age UK and is currently coordinator of Tufnell Park Parents.
“As someone who has lived in the local area for more than two decades,” she said, “I know the issues that really concern the people of St George. As a parent and resident of the area, I would fight for the issues that really matter – from clean air to timely council repairs to reducing knife crime.”
Islington elected 47 Labour councilors, and only one Green opposition councilor – Caroline Russell, who also sits in the London Assembly. “The fact that we live in a ‘one party state’ is a bad deal for residents,” said Natasha. “The Electoral Reform Society has shown that councils provide better value for money where they are challenged by stronger opposition. This by-election is a really exciting opportunity for the people of St George’s to have their voices heard.”
A forthright campaigner on air pollution, Natasha worked with a local Green party citizen science project conducted in 2017 that revealed that air pollution in parts of Islington exceeded three times the EU limit, with Tufnell Park Road and Holloway Road especially dangerous in terms of poor air quality.
“I would demand action on improving the environment in St George’s and Islington – I would listen and really hold the council to account on those issues. But this would just be part of my mission to make the area a safe and happy place for people to live. My record as an activist demonstrates that I can really get things done for the local community.”
The St. George’s by-election will happen on December 12th, on the same day as the general election. You can support our general election campaign here and follow Natasha Cox here.