Three Bridlington councillors who were memebers of the Yorkshire Party have today (16 July, 2025), joined the Green Party, giving East Riding of Yorkshire Council its first ever Green group.
Andy Walker, Tim Norman and Rick Arrand – who together represent Bridlington South ward – have resigned from the Yorkshire Party and will now sit as a new Green group on East Riding Council, pending confirmation.
The trio were elected in County Council elections in May 2023
A statement from the Green Party has said: “All three councillors are long-standing community champions and say the switch reflects their evolving priorities and continued commitment to the issues that matter most to local people.
Cllr Andy Walker, now leader of the new Green group, said:
“Serving Bridlington is a responsibility I take extremely seriously. Climate change is the defining issue of our time, but so are affordable homes, improved NHS access and safe streets. The Green Party’s practical, community-focused approach lets us champion all of those concerns with renewed energy.”
Cllr Tim Norman added:
“Yorkshire has partial devolution, so our job is to get results on the ground—tackling the cost-of-living crisis, improving water quality and securing better transport links. The Greens share our determination to make council decisions work for ordinary people.”
Cllr Rick Arrand said:
“Changing party doesn’t change our promise: we will keep listening, keep working hard and keep putting Bridlington residents first.”
Stewart Arnold, Coordinator of Hull and East Riding Green Party, welcomed the move:
“Andy, Tim and Rick already have a reputation for rolling up their sleeves, whether that’s pressing the council on climate action or chasing everyday casework. Their switch shows that being Green is about practical service as well as principles.”
The trio also serve on Bridlington Town Council.
- The new Green Group comprises three councillors. East Riding of Yorkshire Council remains under no overall control (Con 26, Lib Dem 21, Independent Group 7, Labour 5, Greens 3, Non-aligned Independents 4).
- Next scheduled district elections: May 2027.
