Three contenders to be the next leader of Wales Green Party will take part in a hustings at the party’s annual general meeting in Cardiff this weekend.
Anthony Slaughter, Alice Hooker-Stroud and Ashley Wakeling will compete to win the support of party members at the event at the Angel Hotel this Saturday (14 November), before voting opens in the next few weeks.
Current leader Pippa Bartolotti retires at the end of this year, having completed the maximum term of five years on the Wales Green Party Council.
Bartolotti said:
“Sad as I am to be standing down, I am confident that this year’s leadership elections will measure up to be a major event in our development. The Welsh elections beckon, and with record numbers of members and activists, and some brilliant candidates led by the four women topping the regional lists, we are quietly confident that 2016 will be the year Greens finally make an impact in the Senedd.
“The Welsh elections will be the time we see Greens represented in every political chamber in the UK. Wales is crying out for fresh ideas which will take us safely into the future, and a political party which puts people, planet and Wales at the top of the agenda.”
Shahrar Ali, deputy leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, who will be speaking at the Wales AGM, said:
“I’m delighted to be addressing Wales Green Party this weekend. Hot on the heels of a spirited general election campaign, we're gearing up for our first seats on the Welsh Assembly.
“Democracy is about service to the people and having the verve and vision to make the case for a unique kind of governance. Greens are leading the call for investment in jobs, renewable energy and public services, with urgency and ambition. In Wales, the political revolution is coming to a doorstep near you.”
Also speaking at the AGM will be Wales Green Party member, Herbert Girardet, adviser on sustainability and carbon reduction to the South Australian government. Girardet has written 10 books and produced 50 TV documentaries on sustainable development. He has also been presented the UN Global 500 award for outstanding environmental achievements.