The Green Party of England and Wales has secured a decisive double victory in the latest Portland Town Council by-elections, winning both contested seats and strengthening its growing presence on the island. The results mark a significant moment in local politics, signalling increased support for the party’s community-focused agenda across the Isle of Portland.
In the Tophill East Ward, Green candidate Mark Williams was elected with 265 votes, comfortably ahead of Labour’s Alfie Fowler, who received 177. Meanwhile, the Underhill Ward delivered a far tighter and more dramatic result. Green candidate Lucy Hardwicke claimed victory with 265 votes, edging out Reform UK’s Giles McManus by just 13 votes in a closely fought four-way contest. Independent candidate Jenny Cooper secured 133 votes, while Labour’s Jo Atwell trailed with 73.
The narrow margin in Underhill highlights both the competitiveness of local elections and the shifting political landscape on Portland. While the Greens emerged victorious, the strong showing from multiple parties suggests a highly engaged electorate and a diverse range of political views among residents.
Following the results, Kia Pope, leader of the Green group on Portland Town Council, welcomed the new councillors and praised the outcome as a sign of growing trust in the party. He said she was “delighted” to see Mark Williams and Lucy Hardwicke join the group, adding that the results demonstrate residents are increasingly turning to the Greens to represent their interests and stand up for the local community.
Cllr Kia Pope, leader of the Green group on Portland Town Council, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Mark and Lucy to the Green group on Portland
Town Council. These results show that residents across Portland are
putting their trust in the Green Party to stand up for their community. A
Green government will lower your bills, fix our broken public services,
and revive our precious natural world.”
With these two additional seats, the Green Party now holds four positions on Portland Town Council, making it the official opposition. This shift gives the party a stronger voice in council decisions and places it in a more influential position to challenge and shape local policy.
The Greens have campaigned heavily on issues such as improving public services, reducing living costs, and protecting the natural environment, priorities that appear to be resonating with voters. The party’s message of community investment and environmental stewardship has gained traction not only nationally but also at the local level in areas like Portland.
Mark Williams and Lucy Hardwicke will take up their roles on the council immediately, as the Greens look to build on this momentum. With their increased representation, the party is expected to play a more prominent role in debates over the future of the island, from development and infrastructure to environmental conservation.
The by-election results suggest that Portland may be part of a broader trend of rising Green support, as voters seek alternatives to traditional party politics.
Tophill East result:
Mark Williams (Green Party) – 265 votes – ELECTED
Alfie Fowler (Labour) – 177 votes
Underhill result:
Lucy Hardwicke (Green Party) – 265 votes – ELECTED
Giles McManus (Reform) – 252 votes
Jenny Cooper (Independents for Dorset) – 133 votes
Jo Atwell (Labour) – 73 votes
