A COUNCILLOR who left the Labour Group to go independent has teamed up with three other campaigners to form a new political party for their area.
Coun Michael Thompson, Patrick Proudfoot Emma Brooks and Robert Davies have launched the Charford Residents Association which has now been given the approval of the Electoral Commission.
It means it can be listed on the ballot paper for future elections.
Long-term councillor Dr Thompson is the leader and former UEF Garringtons shop steward Mr Proudfoot is well-known locally because of his role as chair of Charford Watch – the area’s recently formed neighbourhood watch.
He designed the party’s emblem with the help of local historian Annie Deeley – it depicts the wheatsheef and hammer to represent Charford’s agricultural and tool making history.
The Charford Residents’ Association has vowed to better-represent people more than the conventional parties.
Coun Thompson said it would enable him to vote in the council chamber on an issue-by-issue basis, depending on the wishes of the Charford people.
“When I became independent I wanted to see how a councillor could really and truly represent the voice of a community, so I created this local party to be entirely at the service of the residents and free from the ideology and destructive bickering of party politics.
“It acts in the collective interest of the residents of Charford and its objective is to further the interest, well-being and prosperity of its people.”
Chairman Mr Proudfoot said: “It is our belief that listening, evaluating and then working together to deliver, eventually brings a result that we can all feel we have all been a part of.
“That is the true meaning of democracy.”
Residents interested in finding out more about the party, supporting it or joining it can email Michael at [email protected] or call him on 07861 739942.
