Norwich's Green group will be fancying their chances following the party's victory at the Manchester by-election in Gorton and Denton, which is being seen by some as a bellwether test for how May's polls will go.

The party is seeing a surge in popularity, which has culminated in Hannah Spencer winning for the Greens this week.

The council chambers inside City Hall (Image: Newsquest)

In Norwich, there are at least 12 councillors up for election in four months' time, which could result in the Labour administration being toppled.

More councillors could stand down, opening up more opportunities for Labour's rivals.

But newcomer Reform is also fancying its chances and the party plans to stand candidates in all Norwich wards.

Lucy Galvin, leader of the Norwich Green group (Image: Newsquest)

Lucy Galvin, leader of the Green group, said: "The Manchester by-election result shows voters are ready to put their trust in the Greens.

"Where Labour's complacency has undermined democracy, Tories have decimated services, and Reform create division, the Green Party sees a positive future where everyone is included, communities flourish, and no one is left behind.

"People in Norwich are ready for a new start, one built on hope, practical ideas, and positive change."

Currently, there is no overall control at City Hall but the council is Labour-led and has been for nearly two decades.

There are currently 19 Labour councillors, three Liberal Democrats, 16 Greens and one independent.

Of those councillors up for re-election in May, there are seven Labour ones, four Greens and one Liberal Democrat.

But while the Greens will likely win some wards from Labour, newcomer Reform may still scupper the Greens' chances to gain overall control.

Reform will be standing candidates in all of the wards up for election in May and the party fancies its chances to gain five of them.

Bowthorpe will be a key target for the party, after losing just by one vote at a by-election last May.

Nick Taylor, chairman of the Norwich Reform branch, said: "Just 10 months ago, we were short of one vote. I think in May we will not be short of any vote, polling shows that, community feedback shows that.

"Some areas will be harder for us than others.

"A year ago, we would have said all the wards would be hard for us but the scene is ever-changing.

"Labour will do well to get many at all. I suspect it may be a Green-controlled council by May."

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