A TOTAL of 12 Independent candidates are standing at Thursday’s Bromsgrove District Council elections.
Voters are heading to the polls on May 4 to elect the whole council with all 30 seats on the authority up for grabs.
The group said the number of candidates standing and the number previously voted in showed how dissatisfied the public were with mainstream party politics, especially when it came to local matters that affected their everyday lives.
Steve Colella, who is vying to hold onto his seat in Hagley West, said: “Being prepared to stand as an Independent Candidate shows real commitment by each person to their local communities.
“We don’t have access to large sums of party funds or access to the big political bandwagons and national campaigns.
“However, I see that as a positive for the Independents.”
Lorraine Johnson, Independent candidate for Hagley East, said: “Voting for a person rather than a party is the best way forward to ensure that it’s the people that benefit rather than the political parties.”
And Mr Colella added: “The increase in Independent candidates means that, with your support, times have changed and there is no longer an automatic vote for the main parties” concluded Steve.
Susan Jones, who will be standing with Gary Prescott as the two independent candidates for Belbroughton and Romsley, said: “Many people are disillusioned with the main parties.
“We will be a group with autonomy, really questioning what’s going on, and challenging why decisions are being made.”
Bernard McEldowney, Independent Candidate for Catshill North, believes the support of independent, thinking people could build stronger links across the Catshill community and district.
Dave Pardoe, Independent Candidate for Sanders Park, is really concerned with the demise of the town and the ‘total lack of repair, maintenance, and vision for the district’.
Sue Baxter, Independent candidate for Drakes Cross, is particularly fighting for more investment for Wythall Park and greater transparency from the district council administration.
Charlie Hotham, Independent candidate for Barnt Green and Hopwood, is keen to find out where Government grants have gone, as well as seeking funding for local sports clubs and community centres.
The other Independent candidates are Rachel Bailes (Alvechurch), Alan Bailes (Alvechurch South), Stephen Peters (Wythall West) and Keith Yates (Wythall East).
The party says it is urging people to vote independent to ‘bring about real change’.
Make sure you’re ID OK for Polling Day
AS VOTERS head to the polls on Thursday, May 4, people are being reminded to take their voter ID.
For the first time this year, those casting their ballot in person will need to show identification to prove who they are at the polling station.
Research suggests up to a third of voters in the West Midlands are still unaware of the need for ID.
Among the accepted types are a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport, a driving licence issued by the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or an EEA state, a blue badge and a concessionary travel pass, such as an older person’s bus pass.
Visit the Electoral Commission website at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID for the full list of accepted photo ID.
Go to our website for our detailed coverage of which candidates are standing and where and our stories about the different parties, candidates and their policies.
