Greens win historic first seat (From Worcester News)

Greens win historic first seat

6:16am Friday 7th May 2010

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Green Party leader Caroline Lucas has made electoral history after becoming the party's first MP.

Ms Lucas gained the Brighton Pavilion constituency from Labour where the Greens had run a targeted campaign.

Speaking after the result was announced she said: "Today the people of Brighton Pavilion have made history by electing Britain's first Green MP to Westminster.

"Thank you so much for putting the politics of hope above the politics of fear and I pledge that I will do my very best to do you proud. For once the word historic fits the bill."

There were loud cheers as the winner was announced at the Brighton Centre.

Ms Lucas polled 16,238 votes, while Labour trailed in second with 14,986 votes.

She had been favourite to win the seat, which had been held by Labour since 1997 and was a Conservative stronghold before that.

Patrick Harvie, an MSP for Glasgow and Scottish Green co-leader, said: "This changes everything, and the whole party will be over the moon to see Caroline Lucas's triumph in Brighton."

Mr Harvie, who travelled to Brighton to campaign for Ms Lucas, added: "Westminster will now have a real voice speaking out against the cuts to public services, for equality and for a greener and more sustainable economy."

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