A third of all council seats will be contested by an Independent candidate in this year’s Bath and North East Somerset Council elections, it has been revealed.
The record breaking number has been brought together by outgoing Independent Group Leader, Cllr Nathan Hartley, who believes that people should be given a non-party political choice when it goes to choosing who should be their local councillor.
Cllr Hartley said: “Independent councillors have always played an important role on the council by providing a strong, objective voice – free from party politics.
“Ever since the election of Phyllis and Jonathan Gay for Radstock 16 years ago, who paved the way for independent politics, the votes of Independent councillors have been highly sought after by the larger political parties.”
The seven Independent councillors on the 65-member local authority currently hold the balance of power – meaning that neither of the two largest parties can get their proposals through the council chamber without the support of the Independents.
At February’s B&NES Council budget meeting, Independent councillors were able to negotiate an extra £300,000 for their communities thanks to the unique position they hold.
Nathan added: “Based on the pattern of voting intentions and the demographics of Bath and North East Somerset over the last two decades, it’s highly likely that Independent councillors will continue to hold the balance of power after the 7th May local elections.
“There are twenty-three independent candidates standing across the area this year, the most ever!
Many of them are active in their communities, already have a strong local network of support, and are providing an appealing alternative to party politics.”
In Bath, residents will not only have the chance to vote Independent locally, but they can also do in the national General Election too.
Cllr Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE, who was recognised by Her Majesty The Queen in 2010 for services to the community, is standing as an Independent Candidate for the Bath Parliamentary seat on 7th May.
Loraine said: “I am delighted that we have so many Independent candidates in May’s local elections.
“Being an Independent is exactly what it says ‘Independent’ enabling each person to truly represent their community and not to be beholden to a political party.
“Representing your community is so worthwhile and I know everyone taking on this role can make a real difference for their community as I know I can do as Bath’s MP representing the communities within the City of Bath”.
