Progressive Alliances in Surrey: A Call for Cooperation Amidst Political Challenges

In Surrey, a coalition of Compass members from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the Greens aimed to unite progressive forces to challenge incumbent MP Jeremy Hunt in the upcoming election. The director of Compass highlighted the group's previous efforts in the 2017 election, which nearly succeeded in fostering a collaborative political environment. This election cycle, the focus shifted to Paul Follows, the Liberal Democrat council leader, as the most viable candidate to replace Hunt, with initial support from the Green party. However, internal party dynamics complicated the situation. Steve Williams, the Green party's deputy leader, was initially set to run but was ultimately sidelined by his local party, which opted to allow Follows a clear path to candidacy. This decision sparked criticism, as it seemed to contradict the principles of new politics that the Greens professed to uphold. The situation was further exacerbated by the expulsion of local Green members who prioritized collaboration over strict party loyalty. The article argues that the Green party's commitment to cooperation and pluralism is crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges of modern politics. It emphasizes the importance of tactical voting and warns against punitive measures against members who act in the interest of broader electoral success. With Labour securing 63% of the seats despite only 34% of the votes, the piece underscores the need for a shift in political strategy, advocating for a focus on collaboration rather than control to sustain the momentum of progressive change.