New Green Councillor Is Already Making People Take Notice
Saahi Aroori walked into Plymouth City Council’s chamber last month having won the Drake ward seat for the Green Party by 221 votes.
With her distinctive bindi and confident speaking style, Aroori is already becoming one of the more recognisable new faces in Plymouth politics.
Throughout her campaign, Saahi repeatedly returned to the same themes. She spoke about residents feeling unheard, the rising cost of living, opportunities falling short and the need for local communities to have a stronger voice in decision-making.
Rather than presenting herself as a traditional career politician, she campaigned as someone hoping to bring a different perspective into local government. In Drake ward, enough voters agreed to send her to the council chamber.
Aroori says her academic and professional background has helped shape her approach to politics.
“I studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science and King’s College London, and have a background in economics. That experience has given me a strong understanding of how public money is spent, the challenges facing local government, and the importance of making evidence-based decisions that deliver value for residents.”
She also says her age brings a different perspective to the council chamber.
“I am the youngest member of the council, which I believe brings a fresh perspective and new ideas to local politics. It is important that younger generations have a voice in shaping the future of our community, while working constructively with colleagues of all ages and backgrounds to deliver positive change.”
Although politics now plays a major role in her life, Saahi’s roots in Plymouth run much deeper. She attended Compton CofE Primary School before going on to DHSG, and says some of her favourite memories involve summer evenings on the Hoe, sitting with friends watching the sunset over the water. She also has a long-standing love of Dartmoor, having taken part in Ten Tors and spent many years exploring the moors on foot.
Saahi has also spoken about the importance of representation, inclusivity and ensuring that local communities feel heard. These priorities will likely shape her approach as a councillor.
She has also earned praise for her speaking ability. Political opponents have spoken positively about her confidence and communication skills, with one Labour councillor describing her as a particularly effective speaker. Those qualities could help make her an influential voice in the council chamber over the coming years.
The Green Party has been steadily building support in Plymouth since 2022, when Ian Poyser became the first Green councillor elected to Plymouth City Council. Saahi’s victory strengthens that foothold ahead of future elections.
However, campaigning and governing are very different challenges. Residents in Drake ward will now be watching closely to see whether the promises made on doorsteps translate into visible action.
With Reform UK also making significant gains in this year’s local elections, Plymouth’s political landscape appears more unpredictable than it did just a few years ago. Whether the Greens can continue to build on their recent progress and whether Saahi becomes one of the city’s more recognisable political figures remains to be seen.
For now, one thing is clear: Plymouth’s newest Green councillor has already made an impression.
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post