LETTERS – Political landscape is shifting

Behold the surge of the Independent spirit!
In the heart of our local governance, a revolution is unfolding.
As the dust settles, the numbers speak volumes: 102 councils out of 107 councils have so far been counted and the growing power of the 431 Independents is dramatic.
The ascent of Independents in the local elections of May 2 is nothing short of breathtaking, with gains soaring to 70 per cent beyond the current tally.
The Independents, including those in Residents Associations, gained 103 seats, second only to Labour, and leaving the Conservatives reeling with a loss of 448 seats.
And it doesn’t end there. Independents and the Greens, have together snatched up 168 seats across the board, on a par with the much vaunted Labour gains.
The landscape is shifting, with the national share tipping in favour of the underdogs, poised to shake up the status quo in the looming general elections.
If this week’s results were extended across the country, it is predicted that Independents could well be in the driving seat.
Tremors extend to grassroots level, even in the heart of Maggie Thatcher’s home town, Grantham.
After a long battle to get the right to have a council for the town, Independents have now swept the board with 18 out of 22 members.
Independents took the leadership of South Kesteven District Council last year, bringing a powerful change, attracting new voices, fuelled by the fervour of public support and laying the groundwork for a bottom-up revolution.
In this brave, new world, fewer local councils can wield an outright party-political majority, with its uncomfortable external agenda. Instead, Independents are bringing a mosaic of ideologies to flourish, working together and focussed on residents. It’s a new politics of listening, of inclusivity, where the voices of the people help drive the strategies set and action taken.
Over 40 councils are already led by Independent councillors, supported by the Independent Group of the Local Government Association and the Independent Network, who ran ‘Be a Councillor’ programme to find and support new candidates.
Across the country, the responsive approach of Independent-led councils has led to much greater connection with the public and significant changes to policy to matching local needs in planning, in the way climate change is tackled, in local services, in civility, and working closely with communities to create lively, prosperous and environmentally friendly places to live.
Independents are changing local politics for the better. We ensure that residents are at the centre of our thoughts and actions to create a more successful future.

Marianne Overton MBE
Lincolnshire County Council Independent Group Leader