Kelley Green elected to Cambridge City Council as she wins Petersfield by-election for Labour

Liberal Democrat Sarah Brown second in poll triggered by resignation of Ann Sinnott

Labour’s Kelley Green has been elected as a Cambridge city councillor after winning the Petersfield by-election.

She saw off a challenge from Liberal Democrat Sarah Brown to win the seat in Thursday’s poll (September 13) by 873 votes to 663.

Green candidate Virgil Au Wenhan Ierubino polled 171 votes, beating Conservative Othman Bankole Cole, with 115 votes, into fourth.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Ann Sinnott, who represented Petersfield for Labour, but stood down and quit the party in protest at city council rules that allow transgender women to use women’s toilets.

Following the by-election the make-up of the 42 seats on the city council is: Labour 26 seats, Liberal Democrat 13 seats, Independent 2 seats, Green 1 seat.

Cllr Green has 20 years’ experience working in local government as a landscape architect and town planner.

She was project manager for Jubilee Gardens in Ely and runs a small business in Cambridge called Cambridge Farmers Outlet.

Her campaigns in Cambridge have included efforts to secure better community facilities, bus services and NHS facilities.

Cllr Green’s partner is a scientist working at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Both grew up in the city.

On the campaign trail, Kelley said: “I’m so happy to be part of the fantastic Labour team that represents residents across the city. I would be proud to have the opportunity to represent the residents of Petersfield.

“My small business is just opposite the Catholic Church on Hills Road, which brings me in contact with Petersfield residents on a daily basis and keeps me in touch with grassroots issues.”

Kelley said new housing developments, like the one at the Mill Road depot, would be “exciting” for the city. She said she wants to make sure they “work for the people of Petersfield”. She also said tackling inequality would be a focus.

She said: “There are some really exciting developments happening in the ward such as new council housing at Mill Road Depot site, and the Chisholm Trail. With my local planning experience, I want to make sure that these developments work for the residents of Petersfield, and for the city.

“Cambridge is increasingly a divided city with poverty and affluence existing side by side and I am passionate on making this city fairer for all. If elected, I will build on the hard work that Cambridge Labour has done over the past few years to address this issue.”

Petersfield by-election result

• Sarah Elizabeth Brown (Liberal Democrat) - 663

• Othman Bankole Cole (Conservative) - 115

• Kelley Green (Labour) - 873 – Elected

• Virgil Au Wenhan Ierubino (Green) - 171

Additional reporting: Josh Thomas, Local Democracy Reporter

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Cambridge city councillor Ann Sinnott quits over rules allowing transgender women to use female toilets