Ellie Chowns
MP GREEN PARTY
MY LETTER TO HER FOLLOWING HER MEETING WITH PEOPLE IN ILKLEY 28 FEB 2026
Dear Ellie,
Thank you for visiting Ilkley. I had to respond personally. This ‘Oldie’ was 100% inspired!
Shortly after, I watched Hannah Spencer’s inaugural speech – guess who was supporting her?
Later, I watched both of you on national TV – truthful voices, genuine comments – perfect timing.
Each of these events was tremendously inspiring. The Greens are the only UK party with any chance of ever rebuilding trust in British politics. Our SMART goal, next election, must be to ensure 195 new MPs as the absolute minimum.
My boots are now firmly on the ground, doing everything possible to win as many council posts as possible in Bradford, including standing in Bradford West and canvassing for Hannah Spencer. Your comments in Ilkley provided me with the inspiration to think bigger and consider two future roles.
Two areas come to mind immediately:
- Fill the role of Global Solidarity Spokesperson – currently vacant. I have worked with people across the world in Education and Training Roles, including Directorship at the Bermuda Insurance Institute (post held 7 years). I have also travelled the world extensively as a tourist. This included visits to India, Canada, Australia. I have friends in Seattle, Bangkok and Zambia. My main international interest includes the amazing progress made by Mark Carney’s post-Davos speech, despite intense pressures by Trump. I admire his Commonwealth thinking.
- Utilising my training expertise in adult education, I see a possible role of supporting Vix Lothion to ensure that, post next general election, we can create competent and effective MPs quickly.
Coming from a working-class background myself, I recognise the critical importance of being able to motivate more people into politics, that are just like Hannah. Using appropriate AI technology, we can create a robust range of personalised training programmes ASAP.
Just imagine 200+ Green MPs in parliament competent and ready to go – able to focus on specific areas of interest and———– sufficient time to confidently deliver effective speeches. Win-Win!
I appreciate just how busy you are right now, but I wanted to provide you with a quick ‘Heads Up’ to confirm how important your talk was to me and others. No immediate action is needed right now.
My quantitative degree – finance, computing and management (Trent Polytechnic) and subsequent research/teaching roles in the FE UK sector (inc. Huddersfield Uni.) provides a variety of options.
My son lives in Cambourne and I often visit him. I would appreciate a brief meet up with you after the May elections. Alternatively, I can visit London for further discussions on future roles within the Green party at any time.
Kindest regards
Ian Linnegan
BA (Hons) PGCE CIPD (Retired)