Independent Network
 | This article needs to be updated. (September 2011) |
 | |
| Founded | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit association / political party |
| Focus | Independent political candidates |
| Location |
|
Area served | Politics |
| Website | https://independentnetwork.org.uk/ |
The Independent Network (IN) is a United Kingdom-based non-profit organisation supporting independent politicians and political candidates. It is a registered as a political party with the Electoral Commission in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.[1][2]
IN consists of supporters and volunteers who advocate non-partisan politics. Former MPs Martin Bell and Richard Taylor have been involved. A number of supporters of IN are current independent representatives in national, regional and local governments.[3]
IN does not impose political views on the individuals it supports. However, individuals must adhere to a code of conduct.[citation needed]
Organisation
[edit]Marianne Overton, Jim Thornton and Karen Lucioni are the organisation's leadership, fulfilling the roles of leader, treasurer, nominations officer and campaigns officer.[4] Similarly, these individuals are the registered officers for the political party.[5][6] The organisation has been registered as a company since 2009, with Thornton and Brian Ahearne serving as directors.[7]
Supporters
[edit]IN has been supported by several notable figures in independent politics,[3] including Martin Bell; Richard Taylor MP;[8] Terry Waite and Esther Rantzen.
During the 2005 elections, with IN's backing, Reg Keys[9] constested Sedgefield, the constituency of Tony Blair, following the death of his son in the Iraq War.
In January 2010, Waite sent an open letter to all independent Parliamentary candidates giving them his support and approval.[10]
Services
[edit]
IN offers services and support to independent candidates.[11] Services include:
- Administrative and legal assistance for election purposes
- A list of best practices for campaigning, fundraising, public relations, and appropriate use of the Internet.
- Public opinion and policy research.
- Organising debates and discussions.
In January 2010, IN held a workshop in the Birmingham Priory Rooms to instruct PPCs on the electoral process and regulations. Bell, Taylor, Rantzen, and Lynn Faulds Wood attended the event.[12] [13] [14]
IN endorsed independent candidates in the 2010 election. Endorsed candidates could use the IN logo and branding.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ "Independent Network GB register entry". The Electoral Commission. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
- ^ "Independent Network NI register entry". The Electoral Commission. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
- ^ a b White, Michael (24 March 2005). "Bell Backs Indie MPs". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 18 September 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2010.
- ^ "Independent Network Our Leading Key People". Retrieved 21 February 2023.
- ^ "Independent Network GB register entry". The Electoral Commission. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
- ^ "Independent Network NI register entry". The Electoral Commission. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
- ^ "Independent Network Companies House registration". Companies House. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
- ^ http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/elections/article383210.ece Archived 4 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine Martin Bell and Dr Richard Taylor give their backing to the Independent Network
- ^ Tempest, Matthew (22 April 2005). "Soldiers' bereaved parents back Keys campaign". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Article about Reg Key's campaign
- ^ "Terry Waite Letter to the Independent Network". Opendemocracy.net. 6 January 2010. Archived from the original on 16 June 2010. Retrieved 26 August 2010.
- ^ "Independent Network Membership and Support". Retrieved 21 February 2023.
- ^ The Daily Telegraph A comment on the workshop
- ^ "About the Birmingham Workshop". Independent-mps.co.uk. Retrieved 26 August 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Independent Network Workshop, Broken Society and The Election Date". Stevenford.wordpress.com. 25 January 2010. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 26 August 2010.
- ^ IN Endorsement Pack[dead link]