Southampton Independents is part of the Independent Network. The Independent Network are councillors and campaigners independent of the big political parties.
We do not have a party political whip. We are not told what to do by parties. As the Independent Network website says:
"By championing independent candidates, we empower individuals to run for office based on their values and visions rather than conforming to a party agenda."
We work for local people. We put local people first. We subscribe to the Martin Bell principles.
What are the Bell principles? They are listed below.
Who is Martin Bell? Martin Bell was a BBC journalist who was elected as an Independent MP when he stood for Parliament as an anti-corruption candidate, and beat the corrupt Tory Neil Hamilton who was found guilty of cash-for-questions in Parliament. Those questions related to Mohamed Al-Fayed.
More information on the Independent Network is on the website.
The Bell Principles
1. Community Engagement: We actively seek out the input and feedback of our residents. Listening to the community ensures that we understand the unique challenges and aspirations of our constituents, allowing us to advocate effectively on their behalf.
2. Transparency: We believe in open and honest communication with our constituents. By being transparent about our decision-making processes, funding sources, and campaign strategies, we build trust and foster a culture of accountability.
3. Ethical Leadership: Our commitment to ethical leadership means making decisions based on principles rather than political expediency. We prioritise the well-being of our community over personal or party interests, ensuring that our actions align with the needs of our residents.
4. Inclusivity: We are dedicated to representing the diverse voices within our community. Our candidates actively engage with all residents, ensuring that issues affecting underrepresented groups are acknowledged and addressed in our policies.
5. Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable to our commitments and our constituents. By setting measurable goals and regularly assessing our performance, we invite feedback and strive for continuous improvement in our representation.
