Sponsored by
Politics: Independents hope to have their day
Independents Marcus Parry, Di Newman, John Swallow, John Brooks and Lynn Cox launch their campaign. (METP-22-07-10GM035) Picture: GEORGI MABEE
A GROUP of city residents disillusioned by mainstream politics are seeking supporters to help form an Independent party for Peterborough.
The Independent for Peterborough Fund (IPF) held its first meeting on Thursday to formulate a plan of action to grab a stake in Peterborough City Council.
The committee of eight have been brought together by John Swallow, the bus driver who stood as an Independent candidate in the 2010 General Election, Committee members – most of whom helped Mr Swallow in his campaign – want to get more Independent candidates standing in next year’s city council elections.
They have started a fundraising appeal for their campaign, which will also focus on getting a candidate ready to stand in the 2015 General Election against city MP Stewart Jackson.
Although not a part of the committee, Mr Swallow is supporting their efforts to attract people who are sick of mainstream party politics.
He said: “We are building on the strength of the team we put together for the 2010 campaign by increasing our organisation and want to bring people on board who may not be involved in politics, but want to see a change.
“The seed was sown from our disillusionment over the expenses scandal and the germination of that seed was the run for MP. We now want to take this further.
“We want to hear from anybody who is not involved in party politics, as we want them to get involved. Those who want to run as an Independent for city council elections can also come to us for support.”
There is a possibility that the group will be backed by some of the Independent councillors already on the city council.
Cllr John Fox, an Independent councillor representing Werrington North, said he and his wife, fellow councillor Judy Fox, would consider joining.
He said: “There’s a big advantage of having a recognisable Independent party, but I would only consider joining if there was no whip.
“I am an Independent councillor and I’m here first and foremost to represent and serve the people of Werrington with my heart and my conscience.”
City council leader Conservative Marco Cereste said his party did not believe the Independent group, or Mr Swallow, would pose a threat to their power in Peterborough.
He said: “The wonderful thing about this country is that we do believe in democracy. He has no chance, but I wish him well.”
Factfile on: city council parties
The Conservatives have a massive majority on the council, making up 40 of the 57 council seats.
Independent councillors grouped in the Peterborough Independent Forum make up the second largest contingent, with nine councillors.
The Liberal Democrats have three councillors, as does the Labour Party, while the English Democrats have two.
The next round of local elections takes place on May 5, 2011, and may coincide with a national referendum on the Alternative Voting system.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Peterborough
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to -0 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
Comments
There are 6 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
A local chap
Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 06:44 PMThought there already was a set of independents with a leader on the council. Will these be the 'Real Independents' or 'New independents'? John Swallow got 0.9% of the vote in the elections so you have to admire his persistence! Anyway good to see people get off their bums instead of just complaining.
Holly Golightly
Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 05:35 PMThe Editor: Are you the real Editor, or just someone pretending to be an Editor. If you remember the story of the Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's, it is important to first taming the fox then they would be inseparable. A good story if anyone is looking for a book to read. If it not Foxes you have to worry about but Wolfs in Sheep's clothing. It never fits.
The Editor
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 02:19 PMNot too sure a couple of foxes being involved is such a good idea after seeing what one on its own did to those children. What if they start going through bins looking for food during meetings, or attack other councillors? Best have nothing to do with them if you ask me.
Holly Golightly
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 01:56 PMI bet the Foxes join, but only if they can be Chairman and Deputy, or Chairperson and deputy. It will be nice for them to have meetings with more people, and in different locations around town. Wonderful what eight people can do, and more people to monitor lakes and rivers. Good luck to them.
Dalek Sec
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 01:33 PMI hope they do well, I've long believed that party politics should be kept out of local affairs. Local issues should be decided on what's best for the area not what's best for a political party. I would like to see local councillors banned from being a member of ANY political party - they should be neutral.
Brian Gascoyne
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 01:15 PMFamous last words Marco? "From little acorns etc......" "Each journey starts with one small step!" Fountains "Look Out!" The end maybe nigh! Although I have to agree with Marco one one thing "Good Luck" all of you. The election of councillors is as important as the election of MPs. Don't vote for the party - vote for the person and what they stand for as an individual and not a National Clone!
Page 1 of 1
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.