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Independent councillors across England fear that the government’s prospective overhaul of local councils could lead to the eradication of areas that they govern. There has been an increase in independent councillors over the past ten years, with over 2,200 across England and Wales. Currently, 63 councils have independents leading or working alongside other parties, but the majority of these are smaller district or borough councils that are likely to be merged or scrapped under the government’s plans to simplify local government and create more efficiency in the delivery of services.
The more substantial city councils and regional mayors tend to be dominated by the big three political parties, Labour, the Conservatives, and Liberal Democrats. Ministers suggest that amalgamating smaller councils would lead to better efficiency and saving, but protestors argue that fewer councillors representing larger areas would weaken links with communities and make it harder for independents to be elected. Independents believe that they can better articulate the thoughts of local residents since they do not have the restrictions of a national party on their viewpoints.
Under the new plans, independents fear that the inclusion of larger districts would exclude smaller, independent candidates with no professional political affiliation supported by a major party. Council leaders point to possible collaborations, suggesting that existing councils can work together to share resources more efficiently. Still, they also assert the democratic importance of councils’ ability to change services to match people’s expectations, not just delivering efficient services as part of these changes. One council threatened by the proposals is Castle Point of Essex, one of the two local authorities in England led entirely by independents.
Steve Mountfort, Deputy Leader of the People’s Independent Party which oversees this council, claims that the government’s propositions would represent a step backwards for independent councillors within the shaping of new councils. The party is hoping to stand in every legal seat under any new authority and is set on fighting for its survival. Independent councillor John Gallagher, who oversees the Malvern Hills District Council in coalition with the Conservatives, fears that the larger council structures and increased party machines operating at a broader level would exclude independents who are not professional politicians with the support of a major party, leading to more remote councils and decreased local democracy
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