Green Party

Darren is the main challenger to Joan Ruddock in Lewisham Deptford

In 2006 local elections, and again in the 2008 London Assembly elections, the Greens came second to Labour in Lewisham Deptford, beating Lib Dems and Conservatives.

At the next General Election, Labour MP Joan Ruddock is looking increasingly vulnerable to the Green challenge from Darren Johnson.

The Greens, with a six-strong group on Lewisham Council are the third-largest party on the Council and stand up for local concerns like council housing, leisure facilities and post offices. Within theLewisham Deptford constituency, we have more councillors than Lib Dems, Tories and Socialists combined (Lab 11, Green 6, Lib Dem 2, Socialist 2, Tories 0).

If you are a voter in Lewisham Deptford, your choice at the next election is simple: Labour's Joan Ruddock or an historic vote for the Greens and Darren Johnson. Below are some key facts about the two candidates to help you make up your mind.

• Lewisham Deptford MP since 1987.
• Junior minister and rarely votes against the New Labour government.
• Supports the expansion of Heathrow.
• Voted in favour of top-up fees for students.
• Supports compulsory ID  cards.
• Supported 90-day detention without charge for terrorist suspects.
• Spoke out against the closure of New Cross Post Office locally, yet voted in favour of post office closures in parliament.

• Lewisham councillor in Brockley ward since 2002.
• London assembly member since 2000.
• An experienced local candidate.
• Played a leading role in the successful campaign to keep Ladywell Leisure Centre open until a replacement is built.
• Spoke out against propsed cuts to services at Lewisham Hospital
• Supports publicly-owned and funded schools and hospitals
• Is calling for massive investment to create new jobs in 'green' industries in Lewisham, such as home insulation and renewable energy.