In this episode of Greens Rising, Jonathan sits down with Eaglescliffe West by-election candidate Danny Reed to talk about hope, housing and what it means to step up for your community for the first time.

Danny has lived in the area for ten years. He has delivered prescriptions in lockdown, run a community gym and youth arts projects, supported children through Happy Cactus and now works as a lecturer. Only a few weeks after joining the Greens, he is standing as the candidate for Eaglescliffe West.

They discuss why transport, housing and infrastructure are at breaking point locally, why young people give Danny hope for the future and how his life story – from the Army to amateur dramatics – has shaped his values and his decision to stand.

If you live in or near Eaglescliffe West, or you care about ordinary people stepping into politics with heart and courage, this one is for you.

Key themes

• Hope as a practical political strategy, not a fluffy slogan
• New housing without transport, services or affordability
• The power of local arts, gyms and youth projects in building community
• Young people as leaders on climate and justice
• What a proactive, listening councillor could look like in Eaglescliffe West

If you live in Eaglescliffe West, Danny Reed will be on your ballot paper on 11 December. If something in this conversation resonates with you, take a moment to talk to a neighbour, contact your local Greens or share the episode with someone who cares about the area.

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In this episode, Jonathan speaks with Louise Maddison, Green Party candidate for the Red Hall & Lingfield by-election. Louise discusses the challenges facing the ward, including fly-tipping, antisocial behaviour, new housing pressures, and long-standing local neglect.

She shares her experience on the doorstep, the moving story of a Windrush nurse who has lost faith in politics, and why grassroots Green representation matters now more than ever.

This episode explores community trust, listening to residents, housing needs, and the growing influence of Greens in Darlington.

A grounded, honest conversation about local politics and the people it affects.

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North East Greens

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In this episode, Jonathan speaks with Sam Boardman, who is the Green Party candidate for the Nunthorpe by-election and aged just 22. Sam talks about growing up locally, the moment he became politically engaged, and why hope matters in a time when so many people feel let down.

They explore issues facing the community — transport, housing, schools, green space, youth engagement — and reflect on the conversations Sam’s been having on the doorstep.

If you're curious about local politics or just want to hear from someone trying to bring a bit of humanity back into public life, this is a grounded, honest listen.

00:00 GREENS RISING EP1 A New Voice for Nunthorpe: Sam Boardman on Change and Community

 00:57 Welcome to Greens Rising

02:05 Who Is Sam Boardman?

02:48 A Memory of Home

03:11 What Pushed Him Into Politics

04:03 Finding Hope Through the Greens

05:48 Young People & Politics

06:34 What Sam’s Hearing on the Doorstep

07:00 Conversations That Stick

08:52 The Housing Crisis Up Close

10:00 What Sam Would Do First if Elected

10:46 Bringing the Community Together

11:27 Vision for Nunthorpe

11:58 Sam’s Message for Residents

12:26 Outro & Call to Action

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