Being an Independent Councillor

Why stand as an Independent Councillor? I became a councillor because I wanted to make a real difference locally. I have never considered myself as a political person. I felt all parties have something to offer: some good policies and some bad. The question is why do these councillors not come together and work for the best interest of those they represent? Just look at all the ideological-driven, failed policies over the years, and the amount of money they have wasted.

Instead of listening to voices of local communities about their needs, they make decisions often contrary to residents’ wishes. They make resolutions that turn out to be foolish, sanction ‘white elephant’ projects, and destroy the very fabric of our community. Then on top of that, they play tribal party politics, always blaming someone else, rather than saying ‘we got it wrong.’ Then there seems scandal after scandal… and rewards for ‘loyalty’ as the gravy train rolls on. A system that costs the taxpayer huge amounts of money – for a job which in itself should be a great honour, that of serving your community.

Some in my ward will remember the councillor, from one of the main parties, who won the seat but never once took office. Even after a full year, not one council meeting attended! (It is a quirk of the system that by attending just one meeting in a year, you are excused deselection.) An extreme case maybe, but surely this cannot be right? It is an arrogance that comes with the notion that the voters are there for them – a demonstrable contempt of the electorate and the democratic process. Is it no wonder why the public feels so disenchanted by politics – and their local councils – with turnouts on the decline and apathy rising?

A friend of mine said to me, “If you feel so passionately about it why don’t you do something?” So I did. I took the brave decision, and I forced a by-election and stood as an Independent Councillor. Despite all the negativity from other political parties saying that I would come last, nevertheless I felt it was only right that you the electorate should decide. I have always felt that councillors are elected to serve their community and not the other way round.

I wanted to give people hope, a belief and a say in how they want their community to be run – you don’t need to be a party member to do it, just a committed member of your community. The system is such that few Independents get elected, but that will change as people seek something different. Astonishingly, only 1% of the population is a member of any political party, such is the decline in trust and engagement. And of that 1%, how many actually make policy? Little wonder the perception is that they are all ‘out of touch.’  Come election time – red, blue, yellow – it doesn’t seem to matter who gets in. However, change can happen and will gain momentum.

When I got elected I was both thrilled and delighted that my efforts had been rewarded, grateful for the chance to represent my ward. Yes, being a councillor is hard work and can affect family life but I feel it is so rewarding to help the community where I live and that I know and understand. You’d be surprised just how many politicians don’t live amongst their electorate. Many are drafted in by their party agents – parachuted in – just to gain a seat and have no concept of what our neighbourhood is really like.

Fortunately, I have been in a position to make a real difference to the quality of other people’s daily lives and prospects; achieved as an Independent Councillor because I have the flexibility to work with other councillors without hindrance of party political constraints which have prevented progress in the past. Being Independent I believe no party has a dominance of good ideas and that local government depends on individuals of goodwill, individuals who listen to advice, argue and debate and are capable of arriving at sensible decisions on their merits for the good of the community and are not driven by higher party allegiance.

Being elected by my constituents has in a huge way given back the ability for you to engage on issues that are more open and transparent. I can reassure you that I have and will always strive to represent your views and what you feel important. Being an Independent, I can speak out freely unfettered by party politics, and give a different perspective on issues based on common sense. I can put your needs first and foremost without pressure to think or vote along party lines. Importantly, it gives an opportunity to those of you who want to vote but are discontented by the three main parties, being able to vote for an ‘Independent’ rather than thinking ‘None-of-the-Above’ and not bothering at all! In a ‘First Past the Post’ system not voting achieves little. ‘Politics is won by those that turn up’ – voting for something different is really is the only way to shake things up.

I do hope that my success in being the only Independent Councillor in Bolton Borough paves the way for other like-minded individuals to stand as an Independent for their respective wards and serve the community they know best. Westhoughton residents took this lead by voting for their Independent Councillor in 2012; and on 22 May 2014, I will again be seeking that continuing support from my constituents by asking them for their vote in the Bolton Council Elections.

Thank you for taking time in reading this blog. My aim is to inform and to provide a helpful view of local politics and the democratic process.

Cllr Jack Speight