06/05/05

‘Rock Solid’ Seat Falls To Independent
Peter Law scores victory in Wales’ safest seat

Peter Law, Independent candidate for Blaenau Gwent, Wales, was this morning elected to Parliament. Mr Law received almost twice as many votes as the Labour candidate, Maggie Jones. The Independent Network - a new association established to provide support to politically independent candidates – welcomed Mr Law’s appointment, celebrating the support for an independent candidate.
The swing from Labour to independent is 49 per cent, which is thought to be a record.

The results confirm that support for political parties has declined significantly.

Research shows that:

• 55 per cent of voters did not feel they would be able to vote for a party that represents their needs in the General Election

• Membership of UK political parties has fallen by over 50 per cent over the last two decades

Peter Lay, executive of the Independent Network said, “Growing support for independents shows the public’s disaffection with party politics. As political parties struggle to tempt the electorate, independents offer an alternative. 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 155 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