“I got involved in politics in 2015, basically out of a sense of frustration at the destructive, nasty direction that politics had been taking. I wanted to be part of promoting a new and better type of politics: open, positive, constructive, caring. So I joined the Green Party because it was the closest to my own values, and it’s been brilliant! I love going out and talking to people – I think the only way things change for the better is through proper conversations. Politics gives you a platform to do that.”

Ellie was first elected as a councillor in Herefordshire in a by-election in November 2017.  In May 2019 she was re-elected as councillor for Bishops Frome and Cradley with 79% of the vote on a 48% turnout.  She continues to serve as the ward councillor, so you might still see her tweeting about potholes occasionally…

Ellie has lived in Herefordshire since 2003.  She has two sons, aged 15 and 17.  The family live on a small organic farm as part of a community of about 50 people.  Her kids attend local state schools (of course!) and play for several local sports teams.

Ellie in the West Midlands

Living in Herefordshire and working in Birmingham, Ellie always had one foot in the country and one in the city.  Now, as Green MEP for the West Midlands, she’s determined to do everything possible to build links between the region and Europe. 

Ellie will be spending as much time as possible out and about in the region, on ‘Big Days Out’ across the West Midlands. Ellie’s aim is simple: to reach out to as many people as possible, to answer their questions about how Europe works, and to listen to their concerns and their hopes for the future.  Ellie also wants to hear what makes people proud about their particular area!

Ellie’s also busy reaching out to more ‘official audiences’ including all the local authorities and Local Economic Partnerships, and local businesses, industry and agriculture across the region.

A key priority for Ellie is to reach out to young people especially.  Ellie’s offered to go and talk to every Sixth Form in the region in autumn 2019, with the aim of engaging and enthusing young people about politics and about Europe!

“I want to use my role to promote and celebrate the creativity and diversity of our wonderful region.  We combine tradition and the future.  We’re steeped in history but always looking forward and innovating.  We have dynamic industries and beautiful countryside.  We’re diverse and inclusive. What a brilliant region – it’s an absolute privilege to represent the West Midlands in Europe!”