Record Breakers

AT THE last general election in May 2005 there were a record number of independent candidates standing for election- more than 160.  Similarly there was also a record number of votes cast for independents.  Compared with 64,482 votes for independents in 1997 and 119,304 in 2001, there were 141,903 in 2005.

Now the Independent Network wants to help break this record again at the next general election, which must be held by June 2010.  By promoting independent political candidates as an alternative to the main established parties the Independent Network hopes to address the inequality faced by independents running against party candidates.

While the vast majority of the electorate remains interested in national and local issues, most people in the UK feel they do not have a say in how the country is run.  The fallout from this summer’s expenses scandal and the fact that three fifths of the public can no longer see any difference between the three main political parties means the need for independent candidates in public office is stronger than ever.  The Independent Network wants to see another record breaking election next summer with even more people going out to vote for an independent.