MADAM — Chris Jockel, the Green candidate for the next election, may well “promote policies for real change for the common good”, as Simon Pickering says (SNJ September 3, page two).

However, unfortunately, these policies are unlikely to be implemented in the foreseeable future.

For change of policy we must first have a change of government.

And, as David Drew notes, a vote for Chris Jockel makes another victory for Neil Carmichael more likely, and change less likely.

This is the reality of power under a first-past-the-post electoral system.

It is sad that so many in the Green party don’t seem to understand this.

Those who want change need to support David Drew.

Those who don’t like the policies of other parties need to join the party they think most likely to support their policies and work for change in that party.

That is the way forward for those that want change for the common good, rather than voting for a candidate who stands no chance of being elected rather than for the one likely to help to bring about change.

Mary Brown

Stroud