Independent
Spotland & Falinge Ward
Having only councillors elected under a party banner is just not the best way forward for our borough.
There are currently 60 elected councillors who allegedly represent the best interests of our town.
Of these, 48 are members of the Labour Party. Can anyone honestly say the town needs even more councillors on the basis that they pay membership fees to the same private organisation?
As for any increased representation by other private parties - what's the point? If elected, the result will be the same - protection, promotion and allegiance to their chosen party. Anyone attending council meetings would see this happen time and time again.
As an elected independent councillor I would always be free to support any councillors or council officers that I feel are acting in the best interests of my ward and town. I would also be free to oppose any that are not.
What needs to change in council procedure:
Unlike the usual selection of fairweather candidates, I do try and make a difference between elections. I'm happy to be judged by my record.
Can others do the same?
Over the coming weeks I'll be making public some of what I've done and the reaction of what I would term as the councillor establishment party culture.
I live in the ward and have been active in several groups whose aim has been to improve our town.