A WOMEN’S political party has expressed happiness after displaying a strong performance at two wards it contested in Basingstoke and Deane council elections last week.

Women’s Equality Party came third among seven candidates at Hatch Warren and Beggarwood ward, and second-last at Eastrop and Grove ward.

Stacy Hart, who contested from Hatch Warren and Beggarwood, shared her delight in coming third – ahead of LibDems, Basingstoke and Deane Independents, Green Party and Hampshire Independents.

“I’m incredibly happy about results,” Ms Hart said.

“We put in an amazing amount of work. And this was our first time running in two wards. And our goal with this election was to prove that not only is equality definitely at the top of people's priorities, and every other party should be paying attention to that, but also we the Women's Equality Party are a realistic party to vote for.

“We have a lot of people pulling for us, and this is only our first year in Hatch Warren and Beggarwoods. So, to come in [this position is] a real delight and I'm just very grateful to the board for being so welcoming.”

Priya Brown who contested for the Women’s Equality Party from Eastrop and Grove ward said it was an exciting experience to see how voters were reflecting.

“It’s exciting for us because we can see there is still a voice for women’s equality and other issues around that. It was great to see a big turnout and we will keep up our presence and keep up the pressure.”

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