Cllr Becky Davidson (pictured centre with Green councillors Will Roberts & Hema YellaPragada)
A Councillor on Warwick District Council has changed her party allegiance and joined the Green Party.
Councillor Becky Davidson, who has represented Radford Semele ward since May 2023, joined the Green group on Friday (6th September). Her switch increases the number of Green Party Councillors from 14 to 15 and they remain the largest party on the Council.
Cllr Becky Davidson (formerly Noonan) said her decision had been prompted by having lost faith in the Conservative Party:
“Over the past year, I’ve realised that my values don’t align with my previous party as I once thought they did. The national party have continuously made poor decisions on many issues and policies that I can no longer defend.
I got into politics because I wanted to make a difference to my local community and I believe I can achieve more for my ward with the support of the local Green Party, with whom, after many shared Council meetings, I have come to see my values are much more aligned.”
Cllr Davidson (pictured centre with Green councillors Will Roberts & Hema YellaPragada) added that she is “honoured and proud” to represent Radford Semele and the surrounding villages had not taken the decision to resign as a Conservative lightly.
“I appreciate that my decision may be a disappointment to those who continue to support the Conservative Party,” she added. “I wish to reassure all residents within my ward that I will continue to work hard for the communities I represent.”
Cllr Becky Davidson explained why she chose the Green Party. “I want to represent a party that people can trust and I believe that the Greens are a party of integrity. I’ve looked at the Green Party’s priorities, policies and the District Council’s corporate strategy – and having asked many questions – I feel very aligned with their policies and vision for the future.
“Green Party councillors are professional, effective and committed to challenging injustice. They are environmentally driven, not just in terms of biodiversity and climate crisis, but also in terms of our communities and developing vibrant economies.”
Cllr Davidson’s move increases the Green group to fifteen after a breakthrough local elections for the party in 2023. The existing fourteen Greens represent a wide range of areas from South Leamington, parts of Warwick and Kenilworth to rural villages including Lapworth. The Green Party are in joint administration with Labour on Warwick District Council.
Cllr Ian Davison, Leader of the Green Party on the District Council, said: “From her work on the Council, we know Becky to be a Councillor who is articulate, giving clear reasons for her principled views. She has also been amazing in her efforts to fundraise for her chosen charity. She is well-known in her local area, is passionate about her community and determined to do the right thing for her constituents, regardless of party politics. We are very happy to welcome her to the Greens.”
Green Councillor and MP candidate Hema YellaPragada added: “In the last couple of years we’ve seen former members from across the political spectrum to join the Green Party because they recognise Greens commitment to their communities and desire to find practical solutions to the challenges we face whether that be the environment, housing or the cost of living crisis. I am delighted to welcome Becky to Greens. Her decision reflects the values we share and our collective determination to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Cllr Lara Cron, Green Councillor who sits on the Planning Committee alongside Councillor Davidson said: “I’m sure this will have been a difficult decision for Becky, and I respect her greatly for taking a principled stand. I’m delighted to have Becky alongside us as a fellow Green Councillor, sharing our aspirations for a more sustainable future.”
Cllr Becky Davidson is one of several Councillors around the country to move to the Green Party in the last year, including in Wirral (from Labour), Kensington & Chelsea (from Labour), Doncaster (from Conservative) and in Stroud (from Labour and Conservative).