The Party Switch: A Bitter Rivalry in Local Politics

The Green party has backed a bill to end no-fault evictions, yet one of its own candidates is attempting to evict a Labour opponent from a house he owns. William Pedley, a council candidate in Northamptonshire, has served a section 21 notice on his tenant and political rival ‘I’m being evicted by my landlord, who just happens to be a Green Party candidate’ said Kelly Duddridge.

The Threat of Eviction

Duddridge has lived in the property for 10 years and remains there despite the threat of eviction. She says the stress caused by the situation is taking a toll on her family, particularly her four children who are settled in the area. ‘This is causing us so much stress’ said Duddridge. ‘We’ve got kids at school here’.

Labour Accuses Pedley of Hypocrisy

Labour has accused Pedley of hypocrisy, given his party’s opposition to no-fault evictions. The party argues that ending such evictions is necessary to protect tenants from being ‘turned upside down on the whim of their landlords.’ Despite this stance, Pedley has served a section 21 notice on Duddridge, despite having previously tried to evict her in 2016 and rescinding the notice three weeks later.

The Greens’ Position

The Green party has backed an end to no-fault evictions as part of its ‘fair deal for renters’ policy. Carla Denyer, a co-leader of the Greens, had previously tweeted that the immediate ban on section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions is welcome and will help protect over 10 million renters from risk of eviction.

A Sanctuary or a Stressing Situation?

Duddridge’s situation highlights the complexities of renting in the UK. While Pedley claims his personal circumstances require him to use the property, Duddridge argues that she has been given ample opportunity to leave and is now facing an uncertain future. The case raises questions about the effectiveness of the Green party’s stance on no-fault evictions and its commitment to protecting tenants’ rights.