Serving you as an Independent Borough Councillor

I am seeking to strengthen my representation of our Rural Communities by becoming a Borough Councillor for the Wards of West Bergholt and Eight Ash Green.  Over the years I have become disillusioned, disappointed and often frustrated by the manner in which Party Politics adversely impacts important decisions made by Colchester Borough Council.

I believe party politics should have minimal or no place in Borough Council decision-making in that residents expect Council decisions to be based on what is right for the majority and not influenced by party political positioning.  This can only be guaranteed by having an Independent perspective within the Council’s important decision making processes.

I have never sought to become a member of a political party, believing party politics at a Borough level often represents poor value for local people, their communities and local businesses.

There are many difficult and important decisions to be made by our Borough Council in the years ahead that will impact our quality of life, community well-being and local businesses interests.

Colchester Borough Council is dominated by councillors nominated by the political parties.  In recent years, small inroads have been made into this predominance, and currently it has three Independent Council members.  There is a need in Local Government for elected representation that is independent of political dogma, that provides a platform for the views of local people whose interests lie in the wider spectrum of local administration.

I have no desire to dominate Local Government, just to have a greater say in how it is run for our rural communities.  A larger number of Independent Councillors can help realise this desire and even as a minority group, our influence would be paramount to ensuring all groups receive fair representation.

A council that is not dominated by one particular group or political party, is more accountable to the electorate and the decision making process becomes more open and transparent.

I would welcome your vote if you also believe in greater rural representation and are concerned as to how your council tax is employed.