Greens choose a new leader for South Tyneside

A new leader of South Tyneside Council's Green Party Group has been announced.

- by Chris Binding

Councillor Rachael Taylor was elected as the new leader of the local authority's Green Group of councillors.

Cllr Taylor, a representative for the Biddick and All Saints ward and former co-deputy leader of the group, will now take on the top role leading the party into the next round of local elections.

The news comes after Cllr David Francis, Beacon and Bents ward councillor and the local authority's first elected Green councillor, chose to step down from the leader role.

Cllr Francis had made the decision earlier this year to stand down by not seeking reelection in 2026 but said he felt it was “prudent to make space for someone new to come forward".