We need to shake-up a culture of backroom decision making and cover-ups and set out an ambitious vision for Orkney like the one outlined in our manifesto.Kristopher Leask
On the 29th of March, The Orkney Greens launched their election manifesto for the Orkney Islands Council elections on 5 May 2022.
At the core of the Orkney Greens manifesto is the necessity to tackle the climate crisis in a way which maximises the opportunities that arise from the transition to net-zero by 2030. Core issues such as fuel poverty, housing and sustainable transport need urgent attention which requires ambitious leadership.
The Greens’ vision is to future-proof Orkney for the 21st Century and take a new approach to local government. Greens are determined that Orkney’s unlimited potential is not squandered by a lack of ambition, leadership, or an unwillingness to do things differently. Orkney’s population is ageing rapidly, and more opportunities are needed to retain our young folk. Both issues need careful thought to tackle such barriers as the unavailability of housing. Greens would also like Orkney to attract young people and families to contribute to our island society and economy as residents in a dynamic community.
Kristopher Leask, Orkney Greens’ candidate for the Ward of Kirkwall West and Orphir, said ‘We have a huge opportunity in Orkney to make the most of the transition to Net-Zero. This is our chance to do things differently, set ourselves up for the coming decades, and make Orkney a more prosperous and sustainable community. We are facing a crisis in housing whereby local people are priced out, and existing housing urgently needs retrofitted. A fresh approach is sorely needed to local government in Orkney instead of the constant firefighting and cover-up culture. I strongly believe that the Orkney Greens can reinvigorate the Councillor ranks who have largely lost the faith of the public.”
He continued ‘It's possible in the post-election future to imagine a changed OIC with climate actions and the community at the heart of its decision-making. We need to shake-up a culture of backroom decision making and cover-ups and set out an ambitious vision for Orkney like the one outlined in our manifesto. In it are a range of policies, ideas, and ambitions detailing to folk exactly what we support and what our priorities are. There are huge opportunities for Orkney ahead, and it’s down to voters to decide whether they want five more years of the same old, same old, or a fresh approach and a reinvigorated OIC.”
The Orkney Greens will field five candidates in the forthcoming OIC election Wards on 5 May:
Maia Brodie: Stromness and South Isles
Helen Woodsford-Dean: West Mainland
Kristopher Leask: Kirkwall West and Orphir
Eric Page: East Mainland, South Ronaldsay and Burray
John Ross Scott: Kirkwall East
Click here to read: 
The Orkney Greens Manifesto.pdf