Ms Bennett told her conference that only the creation of a "low carbon, more equal economy" could improve the quality of life for British people. She also hailed success in getting more local councillors elected in the West Midlands as evidence that the party was on the road to a bigger part on the political stage. Going from three councillors on three councils to thirteen councillors on seven councils in just "two years". Focusing her attention on Labour, she said it had failed in what should be its natural role as the driver of change with a Tory-led Government running the country.
She added: "Given their history, their birth out of the trade union movement, their links with the co-operative movement, that would make sense. But Ed Miliband's Labour Party is still championing nuclear power, still pushing for unsustainable growth. Hasn't moved to support co-operatives and small business against multinational companies. "Doesn't support renationalisation of the railways. Isn't speaking out in favour of the minimum wage being a living wage.
"The Labour Party has not changed. Has not renounced its recent past. Has not changed direction. It's the same on the economy. On social policy. On reform of the public sector. They are failing to offer a real alternative. And there's a good reason for that. They can't. For the coalition Government is just continuing on from where Labour left off." Investment in homes, public transport, energy conservation and renewables, a financial system based on small local banks and stronger trade unions were all key, she suggested.
