The Green Party is strongly opposed to building large numbers of one-off rural houses, claiming this type of development has a social and environmental cost and has contributed to the hollowing out of rural towns.

The Green Party Deputy leader will call on party members to keep campaigning and agitating for green change and green values 

Mr Ryan faced off with his long-time deputy leader, Catherine Martin, in a postal vote, winning by a tight margin - Mr Ryan received 994 votes to Ms Martin's 946.