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Lucas becomes first MP for Greens | |
(4 days later) | |
The UK has its first Green Party MP after Caroline Lucas won the seat of Brighton Pavilion, with a majority of 1,252 over Labour's Nancy Platts. | |
Ms Lucas, the leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said voters had made history by electing her to Parliament on a swing of 8.4%. | |
"Thank you so much for putting the politics of hope above the politics of fear," she told them. | |
"I pledge that I will do my very best to do you proud," she said. | |
"For once the word historic fits the bill." | |
The Green Party stood in more constituencies in England and Wales than ever before, fielding more than 300 candidates. | |
Although Ms Lucas is their only MP, the Scottish branch of the party has two MSPs in the Parliament at Holyrood, while there are two Green members of the 25-strong London Assembly. | |
One of their MSPs - Patrick Harvie, who represents Glasgow and is co-leader of the Scottish Greens - said the result "changes everything". | |
Caroline Lucas celebrated with her husband after being elected as an MP | |
"The whole party will be over the moon to see Caroline Lucas's triumph in Brighton," he added. | |
"Westminster was always going to be the toughest nut to crack, and Caroline has made an extraordinary breakthrough." | |
He said the House of Commons would now have "a real voice speaking out against the cuts to public services, for equality and for a greener and more sustainable economy". | |
Ms Lucas has described the prospect of a hung parliament as "interesting", saying it may increase the chances of securing "a fairer electoral system, so that people's voices are properly heard". | |
It would also be important in "giving the Greens that bit more influence", she told BBC News. "So, I think these are pretty exciting days ahead." | |
The party had had 200 people campaigning in the seat of Brighton Pavilion on Thursday to ensure those who had said they would vote Green did so, she said. |
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