WHAT IS THE INDEPENDENT UNION AND WHY SHOULD I JOIN?
History: The Independent Union was formed in February 2019 in Hartlepool in response to public demand for a genuine alternative to the Labour Party. Residents had become increasing dissatisfied with the Labour Party. They had dominated local politics and had failed to make significant improvements to local areas. Not more so than in Hartlepool, where independent Councillors grouped together to provide a genuine alternative to the Labour Party. Just a few months after forming, at the local elections in 2019, The Independent Union successfully held a seat and gained a seat from Labour. Only weeks later, a coalition was formed between the Independent Union and local Conservatives to form a minority administration.
Since then, interest in our successes has been keenly felt and we decided to expand to operate satellite groups in other parts of the North due to the significant interest.
Structure: Independent Union does not operate on a traditional ‘Party’ structure despite our registration with the Electoral Commission as a requirement. We have no formal ‘branch’ system and we do not have a national manifesto. We are locally focussed with local independents working together, campaigning together and providing a local voice of opposition to traditional party politics. Various different parts of the Union may adopt some ‘local’ manifestos with locally focussed issues relevant to the area in mind.
Mission aims: we reject the extreme politics of the far right and far left. We believe in the decentralisation of powers and we champion a post Brexit Britain that encourages self-determination, democratic accountability and for local Government to be given a better deal from Westminster.
The Brexit row rumbled on for over three years, our politics is broken and our local authorities are struggling to cope with demand. Faith in traditional party politics is at an all time low, we believe that only independent representatives, directly accountable to their residents and working together within the Independent Union, can we challenge the status quo, offer a sensible alternative and work hard to make necessary changes happen.
Benefits: if you would like to support or would like to stand as an independent Councillor within the Independent Union, you will be joining a support network which offers many benefits:
- A support network, ready to help you through the application process, during your campaign.
- Access to online materials such as step by step information to make your campaign a success.
- Pro formas for campaign leaflets – printing etc
Why not join us today and become a supporter of Independent Union