Today leading Green Party politician, Jenny Jones, was officially introduced into the Second Chamber in the Palace of Westminster, by Baroness Grey-Thompson and Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws as “Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb”.
Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett said: “We can only hope this can act as a spur towards wider reform of this house, which has been promised for more than a century.”
Both women, who were hand-picked by Baroness Jones to be included in the ceremony as her supporters, for their inspirational work in the campaigning and legal fields.
Ms Jones was chosen as the Green Party nomination by a ballot of all members of the Green Party of England and Wales. She has been a London Assembly Member for 13 years, which has included being Deputy Mayor of London, and prior to that was Chair of the National Green Party Executive.
Speaking before her introduction Baroness Jones commented: “Being in the House of Lords means I’ll be able to do more, perhaps achieve more transparency, on issues like the scandal of undercover police having sex with targets or on the appalling inequality in society, where the rich/poor divide is opening wider every year. Now I can not only speak out, but I can vote on bills that could really make a difference.”
Green Party Leader Natalie Bennett added: “Jenny will be an excellent addition to the second chamber, and one small step towards political balance there. Of course a full-elected chamber, on the basis of a proportional vote, would produce a body entirely reflecting the democratic wishes of the British people.”
“We can only hope this can act as a spur towards wider reform of this house, which has been promised for more than a century.”
Baroness Grey-Thompson said: “I am delighted that Baroness Jones is joining us in the House of Lords. I was excited about welcoming her, and being part of her introduction ceremony because it brings another important perspective in to the Chamber. It is a huge privilege to be picked as a supporter for a new Peer.”
Click here for more info on Jenny’s work in the London Assembly