Kettering Green Alliance join forces to work on new North Northants Council

Long-standing councillor and former Kettering mayor Jim Hakewill Independent for Rothwell Mawsley ward, has joined Green Party elected members to form a new ‘Green Alliance’ group on the new North Northants Council (NNC).

Emily Fedorowycz has been named leader of the ‘Green Alliance’ group with Dez Dell as deputy.

The Green Party had three councillors elected to the new NNC with Dez Dell, Emily Fedorowycz and Sarah Tubbs having been elected with 56 per cent of the vote for the Clover Hill district in Kettering.

Cllr Dell said: “We have worked with Cllr Hakewill many times over the last few years and he has always impressed us with his work on climate change.

"Indeed he proposed the motion which saw Kettering Borough Council declare a Climate Emergency in 2019 with a turnout of 17 speakers and an overcrowded public gallery.

"He has a wealth of experience in local government and we believe his knowledge will be invaluable as we familiarise ourselves with the policies and procedures of the new North Northamptonshire Council.”

Cllr Hakewill, who topped the poll in the recent local election in the Rothwell and Mawsley district, would have not been able to sit on committees without being part of an official group as the sole independent.

He said: “I am delighted to be part of this alliance as it demonstrates that we all need to work together putting people before politics, whilst holding the council’s political leadership to account for the decisions they take.

"I’ve been very motivated by the passion and enthusiasm of Emily, Dez and Sarah since meeting them over the last few years.

"Policies to limit harmful climate change is clearly a top priority for all councillors.”

New leader of the Green Alliance, Cllr Fedorowycz, said: “I am exceptionally proud to be leading the Green Alliance group and am excited for the new opportunities and potential we now have to accomplish even more together, working towards a more sustainable North Northamptonshire.

"Jim has always been a keen supporter of the work we have done so far, and he himself cares passionately about the community in all that he says and does.

"We are closely aligned in our love of the area and striving to make it cleaner and greener in these coming years.”

Cllr Tubbs added: “I can’t wait to work alongside Jim with Dez and Emily, as well as North Northamptonshire’s other councillors over the coming months and years, to encourage and champion a greener and healthier future for the north of the county.”