Monday, 9th May 2005

News Release

Record number of voters choose independents
Electorate recognising the independent alternative

On May 5th politically independent candidates received a record level of support. The electorate cast the largest number of votes for independents ever in a General Election, totalling 141,903 votes. 

The previous record was is 133,191 received during the 1945 General Election.

The Independent Network - a new association established to provide support to politically independent candidates – believes that this record level of support for independents demonstrates the electorate’s growing confidence in independent candidates.

Peter Lay, executive of the Independent Network said, “After weeks of campaigning and millions of pounds spent by the main political parties the highest number of voters ever have chosen to vote independent. This demonstrates that as political parties struggle to tempt the electorate, independents offer an alternative. People want an open and transparent political system that responds directly to their concerns. Independents are the future of UK politics. Independents are more able to represent the views of constituents without pressure from party whips to toe party lines.”

- Ends -

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 is not a political party and 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.

Affiliates of the Independent Network include: Kate Allsop – Ashfield; Malvin Brown – Hornchurch; Berjis Daver – Harrow West; Bill Givens – Southport; Reg Keys – Sedgefield; Ron Ower – Upminster; Stewart Rickersey – Mansfield; Chris Rowe – Banbury; Dr. Richard Taylor – Wyre Forest; David Vail – North Hackney and Stoke Newington; Judy Weleminsky – Dulwich and West Norwood.

Sources for statistical information:

• 55 per cent don’t feel they will be able to vote for a party that represents their needs in the next general election (Source: The Big Conversation)
• Over the last two decades membership of UK political parties has fallen by over 50 per cent. (Peter Mair and Ingrid van Biezen, Party Membership in Twenty European Democracies, 1980–2000)
• 77 per cent of people saying they are interested in national issues (Source: MORI Political Engagement Poll 2004)
• 81 per cent of people saying they are interested in local issues (Source: MORI Political Engagement Poll 2004)
• Over 160 independent candidates stood in the May 5th General Election, the largest number since 1885 – possibly ever

For more information please visit www.independentnetwork.org.uk or contact the press office at 020 7609 1902 or email: indepnet@pwkpr.com