Guardian News
Targeting the silent majority
7:50am Tuesday 21st February 2012
A GROUP which launched to protect local democracy has become the satellite branch of London’s Independent Network.
Cheshire Independent Network (CIN) has been adopted by the national organisation which supports councillors who are not affiliated with political parties.
The network has also forged links with the Independent Group of the Local Government Association after a meeting with the group’s leader Marianne Overton.
“It’s strength in numbers,” said former Knutsford town councillor David Heffernan, deputy chairman of the group.
“To have that backing can only put us in good stead. I believe the whole political landscape is changing now.
“People are getting wise to the fact that only a truly independent person can fight for them.”
After the last election CIN became one of the largest independent movements in the UK, just six seats short of Labour in Cheshire East.
David, of Longridge, added: “I’m more interested in the silent majority. Only about one-third of people voted in the local elections.
“That’s a huge amount of people who can affect what happens in Knutsford.”
Knutsford has one independent councillor on the town council, Andrew Malloy, and is represented at Cheshire East by Stewart Gardiner, Olivia Hunter and Peter Raynes – all Conservative.
More than 98 per cent of the population are not members of a political party, and yet there is only one directly elected independent MP – Sylvia Hermon.
“People are getting cheesed off with the current system,” said David.
“The good thing about independents is they fight for people rather than the party. Before we had a voice but under the umbrella of CIN it’s one big voice.”
To learn more about Cheshire Independent Network call Mike Parsons on 01606 834942 or e-mail mjparsons@btconnect.com.
