Congratulations to our members currently standing in the local elections. In 107 local authorities and 11 mayoral authorities, polling is about to start.
The huge areas covered by the 37 ‘independent’ police and crime commissioners (PCCs), coupled with significant costs just to stand, squeezes out candidates without wealthy backers.
This year, for the first time, the PCC elections shift to ‘first past the post’, eliminating second preferences and squeezing out diversity.
To safeguard genuine democracy in our councils, residents need a real choice and a level playing field: the opportunity to vote for an Independent candidate, focused on local residents, or for smaller parties, genuinely representing them and their values.
“Residents need real choice and a level playing field”
A steadily growing group, our members are value-driven, determined, hard-working and well connected with their communities.
Currently, 49 councils are led by Independents, Residents’ Associations and smaller parties like the Green Party or Plaid Cymru, and more in coalitions or leading opposition. In the LGA’s Independent Group, we embrace this diversity as a reflection of the communities we serve.
Diversity requires an inclusive approach to decision-making, ensuring equitable outcomes for all. I wish all our Independent Group members every success in the elections, whether as candidates or supporters.
Amid significant national challenges, it’s heartening to see an impressive number of our members are planning to stand and win in the general election too.
It’s time for a profound shift towards a more diverse and inclusive government, mirroring our growing success at local level.