The Only Way |
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© Copyright 2011 Phil Birkinshaw - Chairman |
Who are we:Background: There has been Independent councillor representation on Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council for many years prior to the local elections in 2004. Some of these councillors related together in an informal arrangement. In the the 2004 elections the number of Independent councillors went up dramatically. However since the 2010 General Election and television's unremitting day-in day-out, week after week concentration on the three Westminster parties we have lost some ground. There are now 12 Barnsley Independent Group councillors. Representation: The Barnsley Independent Group are the only effective opposition to the ruling faction on Barnsley Council. No other group or party challenge Labour for on policy or issues. Barnsley Independent Group: In January of 2006 the majority of the Independent Councillors took the decision to register the group with the Electoral Commission as the 'Barnsley Independent Group'. This was done simply to enable us to clearly identify and differentiate ourselves to electors. We find that we are like minded and have a common sense practical approach to the running Barnsley Council. We have no hidden party political agendas concealing policy from Barnsley people. Neither do we find it neccesary to play Punch & Judy politics. We accept no external funding and cannot be influenced. Membership of the group is limited to Councillors and Candidates for Election to avoid control being exerted in the background by a party structure or powerful individual. All candidates (including councillors up for re-election) pay their own election expenses, which we regard as important because it is the candidate's commitment to their electors. Group Structure: Council Structure:
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