Colchester Green Mark Goacher steps down from local party

Mark Goacher has represented Castle ward in the Town Hall for the Greens since he was elected in May 2019.

The college lecturer cited “differences of opinion, policy and direction” as his reason for stepping back to become an Independent after ten years as a Green.

A rift following the decision to vote through Section 2 of Colchester’s Local Plan in July which gave permission for 1,000 homes to be built on Middlewick Ranges had also been a factor.

Enough - Mark Goacher at a peaceful protest in Colchester at the weekend (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Goacher was among just five councillors to vote against adopting the plan, battling against fellow Green Richard Kirkby-Taylor who favoured the motion.

He added he felt there have been differences in democratic accountability among his counterparts, Mr Kirkby-Taylor and Steph Nissen.

A statement released by the duo said they were “saddened” by Mr Goacher’s decision to step down.

The councillor said he is now considering which party he will represent when he fights for his seat in next May’s local elections.

Difference of opinion - Richard Kirkby-Taylor (Image: Newsquest)

“There have been differences on campaigning, differences on the Middlewick Ranges but I’m looking forward to pausing from all that internal stuff and concentrating on my ward work,” he told the Gazette.

“I’m still a member of the national party but I’m considering what I will do longer term.

“There’s a lot going on, let me put it like that.

“I’m looking forward to speaking more freely on certain issues like the likely upcoming general election.”

A Colchester Council spokesman said the decision has not affected the current administration, which will continue to govern as a majority coalition.

Decision - Mark Goacher in Charter Hall (Image: Newsquest)

A statement from Ms Nissen and Mr Kirkby-Taylor said they are “grateful for his decade of work in establishing a green presence on the council, and his commitment to ecological issues.”

They added: “We will continue to focus on representing Castle Ward as they elected three Greens, and on the wider responsibilities of cabinet.

“We remain committed to the tripartite alliance which Colchester overwhelmingly elected in 2022, and the urgent priorities of the administration.

“We wish Mark all the best as he embarks on his role as an Independent councillor.”