Backgrounder
Independent Candidates

An Independent political candidate is a candidate that is not associated with the traditional political parties and consequently is not obliged to follow a party whip.

Historically and presently, collections of Independent candidates have formed their own political parties. However, where membership of a political party is held, it is held out of technical necessity and not for want of a cohesive party ideology.

Over the last two decades membership of UK political parties has fallen by over 50 per cent. Whilst the vast majority of the electorate remains interested in national and local issues, most people in the UK feel that they do not have a say in how the country is run. As three fifths of the public can no longer see any difference between the main political parties, the need for Independent candidates in public office is demonstrable.

Independent candidates are more effective at representing the views of constituents and promote democracy at local, national and European levels as they are free from pressure by party whips to toe party lines on issues. By upholding the principles of genuine representative democracy, Independents engender more reasoned deliberation and debate and introduce greater diversity of opinion to the political process. In this way, Independents encourage decision making at all levels to be shaped by the informed opinion of those affected. 

Independent candidates are a credible and viable alternative to party politicians. Recently, the UK has had two very successful Independent candidates elected to Parliament. Dr Richard Taylor MP campaigned successfully as an independent, against both Labour and Conservative candidates, to win the Wyre Forest seat in June 2001. Dr. Taylor won by an impressive majority of 17,000, the highest for any opposition MP. He was successfully re-elected in May 2005.

Martin Bell campaigned successfully as an independent to win the Tatton seat in 1997. He was the first Independent Member elected to the House in over 50 years. Whilst in office Mr. Bell forced the Government to find time to ratify the Ottawa convention on land mines. He spoke out in opposition to air strikes against Iraq and campaigned on the needs of Far East prisoners of war.

Speaking in an interview with Spectator magazine, Lord Butler, former Cabinet Secretary and head of the Home Civil Service under three prime ministers, said, “We should move away from the party whip. The executive is much too free to bring in a number of extremely bad Bills, a huge amount of regulation and to do whatever it likes.”

Independent candidates can more fully represent the opinions of voters at a local, national and European level, and are the future of the democratic process.

Notes to editors: 

The Independent Network (IN) 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 IN 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 IN. 

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.