When Adrian Ramsay broke over a century of Conservative dominance in rural East Anglia to secure the Waveney Valley seat for the Greens amid strong local support, he likely anticipated a smooth political start. Ramsay vowed to collaborate with the new government, yet his first major question during a Prime Minister’s Question Time just 20 days into his role was a simple inquiry about Keir Starmer’s approach to leadership at the upcoming Cop16 conference on nature. This was met with a sharp retort from the sports-loving Prime Minister.
“He talks about leadership,” Starmer replied. “I would ask him to show some, because it is extraordinary that having been elected to this house as a Green politician, he is opposing vital clean energy infrastructure in his own constituency.”
The reprimand took Ramsay, the Greens’ courteous co-leader, by surprise, particularly as his pro-renewable stance led him to question the economic justification of a contentious new pylon route traversing his constituency. Recently, Ramsay faced harsh criticism from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, as they clashed over Labour’s contentious carbon capture and storage plans—an initiative Ramsay branded “a fig-leaf for fossil fuel.”
“I firmly believe in collaborating constructively with any other party or individual MP when I can find common ground. There are numerous instances where Greens have partnered with others,” he stated from his still-basic office in Westminster. “That’s the type of politics the public desires. The Prime Minister has mentioned restoring politics as a public service, and I trust that’s his intention, but it is disheartening when any politician resorts to personal attacks.”
At 43, Ramsay might be excused if his initial burst of optimism has waned following a challenging first 100 days. Like all 335 newly elected MPs, his responsibilities began immediately, but he lacked the five or six staff members typically necessary to operate an MP’s office.
Upon receiving his allocated office, it was located at the outer edge of the parliamentary “ring of steel,” requiring access through puddle-filled courtyards and navigating a construction zone rife with rat bait stations.
Speaking amid the sound of construction, Ramsay does not complain but acknowledges that the most significant challenge was beginning his work without staff. “The job begins right away, and you’re allocated a budget for your team, which you need to perform efficiently and connect with constituents effectively, but you can’t conjure that from thin air,” he remarked. “This has been a notable frustration for every new MP.”
Describing the experience as a “whirlwind,” he expresses satisfaction at sharing a corridor in Westminster with his three fellow Green MPs. Although the Greens do not have a party whip, who sometimes offer guidance to new MPs, they have sought advice from former MP Caroline Lucas. Some of her previous staff members, including Ramsay’s press officer, have continued to provide assistance.
Lucas serves as a reference point. “How would Caroline handle this?” Ramsay queries his press officer as they draft a tweet responding to Starmer, who had highlighted a flood resilience taskforce during PMQs.
As the sole Green MP, Lucas had to forge cross-party alliances, and Ramsay is intent on doing the same. On his 97th day, during a typical session in Westminster, he participates in a 9am campaign for a Climate and Nature Act—currently a private member’s bill introduced by the Liberal Democrat Roz Savage—before addressing a Westminster debate celebrating the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary. In this discussion, he urges Labour Minister Daniel Zeichner to tackle the “proliferation of massive chicken sheds,” a significant contributor to river pollution in his constituency and a concern for animal welfare.
Following meetings with his staff and the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, he attends a private assembly with local Norfolk MPs from all parties to discuss the critical issue of special educational needs provisions—a significant theme in his early casework.
Unlike Lucas, who had to cover all Green parliamentary communications, Ramsay and his fellow MPs can divide responsibilities. He is currently shadowing the Treasury, the Department of Health and Social Care, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which align with many of the concerns raised by his constituents, such as river pollution, flooding, and the decline of health and bus services. “I aim to create as much synergy as possible between the local issues and those I wish to influence on a national scale,” he states.
Beyond Lucas, Ramsay is inspired by former Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb, who managed to win and retain the North Norfolk seat for 18 years from 2001. “Norman built a remarkable reputation as a dedicated local MP and had a considerable impact on parliament with his focus on mental health,” he notes. “He exemplifies how an MP outside the two dominant parties can make a difference both locally and nationally.”
Ramsay is resolved to demonstrate to his constituents that he is “Waveney Valley’s voice in Westminster, not Westminster’s voice in Waveney Valley.” On day 91, he visits the Waveney food bank in Eye, a dynamic social enterprise called Hey Girls, which aims to combat period poverty, and a natural flood management initiative organized by the River Waveney Trust charity in Gissing.
His most substantial challenge is likely navigating the contentious discussions surrounding pylons and solar farms. “On one hand, I certainly advocate for an increase in renewable energy. My professional background involves leading national charities to expedite the adoption of renewable energy. It will help reduce prices and enhance resilience. However, we must also engage in a mature conversation about how to achieve this,” he explains.
He urges the government to demand more from solar farm proposals—requiring them to demonstrate how they will integrate food production or enhance biodiversity. “We need more solar farms in the mix, but the government should adopt a more intelligent approach instead of giving the impression they will simply approve any proposal that comes their way. Yes, we need various types of solar, beginning with rooftops. Why are new residential and commercial buildings being constructed without solar panels? We could significantly increase solar installations in car parks and on unused sites.”
What does he aspire to accomplish after five years? “I want my constituents to feel that I’ve truly represented them. Additionally, I hope to influence the conversation regarding adequate funding and support for ecological restoration and healthcare services. Steering the government towards these critical issues will be of utmost importance.”
