Independently speaking
Fed up with party politics ahead of the General Election?
Fed up with party politics ahead of the General Election on 4th July 2024.
Why not look at it all a little differently?
An overwhelming number of candidates
This year there are an overwhelming 4515 candidates nominated, more than in any previous UK general election. Luckily, we only vote for our own MP. Phew!
The usual party faces
We see the main party faces on TV, radio, news outlets, social media, podcasts and even TikTok all trying to gain your attention. Perhaps it’s a dip in the water, visiting a factory, or the classic, holding a baby pose. The glossy manifestos (sales pitches) have been launched with claims of lower taxes, higher incomes, shorter waiting lists, cheaper homes, more rental properties, fixing climate change, stop the small boats. However, when watching these parties bickering and not saying anything factually meaningful, do we genuinely believe them?
Beyond the main parties
Did you know that parliament comprises more than just the main parties such as Conservative, Green, Liberal Democrats, Labour, and Reform UK? There are tiny parties or independents, who if elected do not have to conform to a party whip (instructions on how they should vote). Just because they won’t be living in 10 Downing Street does not mean they play less of a part.
98 different political parties are standing in our General Election this year, although 35 of the smaller parties are set up with one member.
The rise of independent and smaller parties
“As an MP of a small party or independent, you can vote on measures in Parliament. Members of Parliament can become involved in committees, ask questions, and raise issues in the media to hold people to account.” James Ransley, 37, a bespoke furniture maker from Ashford and founder of the Consensus Party explained. His reasons for forming the party were to futureproof his campaign strategy options.
This year’s election has 459 independent candidates over 317 constituencies (area covered by each MP) plus the 35 previously mentioned, who chose to create a party of one candidate.
From the independents
Independent candidate Ian Gibson for East Grinstead and Uckfield (Sussex) says “I believe that divisive party politics is not the best way to address these problems. I won’t be bound to any party line. I will be free to work in the best interests of residents on every issue.”
Meanwhile, Independent candidate for North West Essex, Erik Bonino offers a manifesto of local and national issues saying “I will lobby on behalf of farmers for imports to adhere to the same food quality standards as our own. I will challenge trade agreements that put our farming industry at a competitive disadvantage. I will advocate for EU trade agreement revisions on food, to improve supply and prices for consumers.”
Reasons for standing as an independent
The main reason a person considers putting themselves forward for election is a belief they can personally influence change in policies and outcomes. James Ransley’s reasons for getting into politics were local issues connected to planning. He wanted to learn more about the processes and why developments were being built the way they were. He humbly spoke, “It’s interesting and a learning curve and to be honest, I still don’t understand it fully but I get involved and we have made a difference.”
Making a difference locally
Asking him about where he felt he had made a difference he replied “There are so many issues around planning where residents have always got concerns. We recently have had a proposal for new sewage works near Stubbs Cross for the new Chilmington development (5750 dwellings plus businesses). No one was expecting this to happen but the recent Stodmarsh issues affecting much of East Kent have meant new developments need to devise ways to deal with their drainage demands without entering the river Stour. At the recent LPA meeting, I discussed the harm this would cause the residents and how the application appeared flawed. Officers strongly suggested the application was approved but with me, the residents and parish councils, the Planning Committee of Ashford Borough Council rejected the application. If this goes to appeal, we will work together to ensure the best outcome for everyone.”
(The River Stour flows through Stodmash National Nature Reserve. Years of untreated wastewater and agricultural runoff have increased nitrogen and phosphorus levels, degraded the water quality and harmed the wetlands. Consequently, Local Planning Authorities (LPA) can’t approve applications unless they comply with environmental regulations.)
The Power of your vote
With the Ashford Constituency being split and the Weald of Kent constituency created James had a final point to make “This year things look unstable, Ashford residents have the opportunity, perhaps for the first time to make a difference. This will be the most competitive election in most people’s lifetime.”
Being cynical is not a bad thing. Who you choose to vote for is your own decision and how you pick where to mark your cross on your voting paper, is, after all, secret.
If you want to find out who you can vote for where you are, check out: WhoCanIVoteFor.co.uk.
Note: To stay neutral I have not included any links to any political party or manifesto. These are all easily searchable should you be interested. Photographs of the candidates shown in this article are available via their websites. Yolanda Barker.