News Release

New Principles for Politicians

The Bell Principles: New guidelines for independent candidates

Independent Network recruiting candidates for 
General and London Local Elections

Martin Bell has endorsed a new code of conduct for independent candidates in a move to bring honesty back into politics. The Bell Principles are thought to be the first set of conduct guidelines created by a political organisation for its affiliated candidates and representatives. The principles will be used by the Independent Network ─ a loose association that provides support to political candidates that are not members of traditional political parties or organised factions ─ to endorse and influence the conduct of its affiliates.

The Bell Principles require that all independent candidates:

• abide wholeheartedly by the spirit and letter of the Seven Principles of Public Life set out by Lord Nolan in 1995: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

• be guided by considered evidence, their real world experience and expertise, their constituencies and their consciences

• be free from the control of any political party, pressure group or whip

• be non-discriminatory, ethical and committed to pluralism

• make decisions transparently and openly at every stage and level of the political process, enabling people to see how decisions are made and the evidence on which they are based

• listen, consulting their communities constantly and innovatively

• treat political opponents with courtesy and respect, challenging them when they believe they are wrong, and agreeing with them when they believe they are right

• resist abuses of power and patronage and promote democracy at every level

• work with other elected independents as a group with a chosen spokesperson

• claim expenses, salaries and compensation openly so the public can judge the value for money of their activities.

A spokesperson for the Independent Network said, “Voters have become increasingly dissatisfied with party politics. Just one per cent of voters are members of a political party and 73 per cent of voters believe that they do not have a say in the way the country is run. The Bell Principles will help to provide a necessary bridge between the public and their politicians as the independent candidates signed up to them will listen to and consult their communities constantly.”

Independent Network Recruiting Candidates

The Independent Network is currently recruiting candidates for the upcoming general and London local elections. Only independent candidates who abide by the Bell Principles will be endorsed by the Independent Network. To gain endorsement independent candidates must provide a CV, two references from people unrelated to them, a detailed campaign plan, manifesto and disclose any unspent convictions. Candidates should also state if they have ever been a member of a political party, key national policies, specialist subjects and areas of expertise.

Potential candidates, election agents and anyone who would like to volunteer, support or donate to the Independent Network should contact: secretariat@independentnetwork.org.uk or visit www.independentnetwork.org.uk. 

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Notes to Editors:

The Independent Network is a loose association that provides support to candidates who are not members of traditional political parties. As a not-for-profit association with a simple constitution, the Independent Network consists of: independent representatives in national, regional and local government, and candidates or prospective candidates whom the Independent Network supports. Members of the public who support the principle of elected representatives of public office being free of the established party political system will be encouraged to become affiliated with the Independent Network. 

The Independent Network does not impose any political views on the individuals and parties it supports or that support the Independent Network. However, affiliates of the Independent Network must be non-racist and non-discriminatory and adhere to The Nolan Committee's recommendations on Standards in Public Life.

Fore more information please visit: www.independentnetwork.org.uk. Alternatively you can contact the press office at 020 7609 1902.