Henry Nowak Murder: Andrew Pope's Open Letter To Leader of the Council

Andrew Pope has written to the Leader of Southampton City Council, Labour Councillor Sarah Bogle, with an open letter following the conviction and sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, murderer of Henry Nowak.

 

Andrew Pope

It is copied below. It has also been sent as a letter to the Daily Echo, and as a media release.

You can contact us at the details at the link here.

"Dear Councillor Bogle,

I write to congratulate you on your elevation as Leader of Southampton City Council. With power comes responsibility to represent all of Southampton, particularly in times of crises.

In your recent Leader's Corner, you ask for suggestions as to how to attain unity in the light of Vickrum Digwa's murder of Henry Nowak in Portswood near the Unversity that I attended. Digwa has received his punishment under our justice system - life imprisonment with 21 years minimum. Digwa should not be seen as representative of Sikhs.

We should not respond with "rage" at Henry's treatment. We should channel any anger into constructive action to protect our City and its reputation, and to retrain the Police and if necessary, punish those who made mistakes.

I was welcomed into the Sikh community when our friend and colleague Del Singh was murdered in Afghanistan in 2014. We paid our respects at his funeral at the Crematorium and at the Gurdwara. I remember Del frequently, He was killed by religious extremists, trying to promote peace and reconciliation.

Henry Nowak was killed by a religious extremist. Somebody who warped the beliefs of Sikhism, just as the Taliban warp the beliefs of Muslims.

Any reaction to his murder that is also extreme tarnishes the needless death of a young student in our City, and is not constructive. Nowak's family have indeed asked for Henry's death to not incite racism, division or to be about Sikhs. The family want constructive action, not violence.

Overnight, we have had national news report on violence in our City. Violence incited by He-who-shall-not-be-named in an irresponsible call for "pure cold rage". Thugs have been incited by the Leader of the Reform UK party, just as their party's idol Donald Trump incited needless violence in the USA and commits needless violence in Iran that affects us all, with Trumpflation at the petrol stations and in the supermarkets.

Therefore, I urge you to put out a Statement to this effect, a joint statement agreed with all political groups at Southampton City Council - Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Reform.

Such a statement should back the Police and Crime Commissioner's call for an independent investigation into the Nowak incident. I have disagreed with Donna Jones on many things, including on the performance of the Police where I have had to quote her own office's figures back at her. But on this, I agree with her that it should be urgent. There is a very low level of trust in the IOPC's independence, so their investigation cannot be the only one.

Such a statement would be how to show unity and that you can look beyond your parties and in the interests of Southampton and its people.

Being an independent, and part of the Independent Network, we do not have party policies or a whip.

Being independent gives us the ability to see things more clearly and more objectively, free from party loyalties.

I offer you my advice as an independent, and hope that you will take it.

Regards,

Andrew Pope

Independent Network

Southampton Independents"

Councillor Sarah Bogle has replied to say:

"A statement is going out shortly.

Thanks for your concern."

 

We await the statement.

 

 

THANK YOU! ANDREW POPE INDEPENDENT BEATS THE BIG POLITICAL PARTIES AGAIN - JUST LIKE WE DID IN 2016 AND 2018

Andrew Pope Beats Political Parties YET AGAIN
Photo: Southampton Independents (AP)

 

Redbridge ward 2026 Result, Southampton City Council
Graph: Southampton Independents (AP)

 

Andrew Pope Independent candidate for Redbridge says:

 

"Dear Residents of Redbridge, Maybush and Millbrook,

ONCE AGAIN, IN REDBRIDGE WARD WE BEAT THE BIG POLITICAL PARTIES LIKE WE DID IN 2016 AND 2018! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

I was 3rd out of 7 candidates. By working together with you helping me to help you, we beat the Tories, Lib Dems and Greens. And in some areas, Labour too. 

Thank you for your support – whether you put up an election board or an election poster, or if you voted for me, or if you encouraged others to vote for me. THANKS!

Together, we’ve shown in 2026, like we did in 2016 and 2018, that an Independent can beat the big political parties. It took a lot of hard work, but we did it.

This is what the Independent Network is about – not party politics, not imposed policies from Westminster – the Indie Network is about principles, the Martin Bell principles – listening to local people and acting with local people to win together.

This was a Council election. The Council has no power over national issues. But I lost to national party Reform in a local Council election. I don’t know why. 

In Redbridge ward, you now have a Reform councillor. And two Labour councillors.

If you voted for the big political parties at Westminster, including Reform, I would like to understand why you did. Please get in touch and I will listen carefully to you.

I will be holding Reform and Labour to account. For example, the Reform Councillor John Edwards has already linked arming all Police with immigration. Southampton Labour councillors are incompetent and corrupt. They and Labour MP Satvir Kaur took £10k from a convicted criminal, with no evidence of paying it back. I’ve asked.

Get in touch if you want to help your area, your family and your friends."

Andrew Pope, Independent Network, Co-Founder Southampton Independents 

Vote Andrew Pope Independent Network for Redbridge Ward 7th May 2026

   

Andrew Pope at Mansel Park and Millbrook Towers
Photo: Southampton Independents (CT)

Note: This article is also a page, as well as a post.

Former Redbridge Independent Councillor Andrew Pope has announced that he is standing in the 7th May 2026 local election.

Andrew says:

"It's so good to be back where I belong. I know the area very well and the people so well. And they know me. They are encouraging me to stand in Redbridge, because they've had enough of Labour and do not want Reform. So I'm doing this!

It was an absolute pleasure chatting with people and delivering my letters while I did my March the Month with Prostate Cancer UK in the area. I walked 341,000 steps, or 175 miles, over the month and have raised over £300 for the charity.

 

Andrew Pope at Five Acres Recreation Ground
Photo: Southampton Independents (CT)

  

People say that they've had enough of Labour and the Tories. I coined the phrase Labour or Tory, same old story. Now people say it back to me on the doorstep and in the streets.

They supported us independents before in their hundreds - almost a thousand votes last time we stood. 

 

We doubled our vote last time to 982 votes
Image: Southampton Independents (AP)

  

And as our team at the count knows, I did very well in Redbridge ward when I stood in the General Election and beat the other independent from Coxford.

This time we need to win and to get over the line. Together, we can do it!

With council tax being put up and up, residents do not feel that things have improved under Labour for the last 14 years and they definitely don't feel they get value for money from the Labour-run Council.

Constant bin chaos, dangerous roads and perilous pavements, financial mismanagement of public funds and three Labour MPs on the South Coast taking £30,000 from a convicted criminal, including Southampton's Satvir Kaur MP. The Labour Government has failed like the Tories before.

 

Labour have failed!
Image: Southampton Independents (AP)

 

And Labour has just sacked its own Redbridge councillor, Lee Whitbread, who was due to stand in May. I tried to warn Labour about him but they preferred to cover up than investigate him.

I am standing as the anti-corruption candidate and subscribe to the Martin Bell Principles from the Independent Network.

Enough is enough. Just one seat needs to change for a positive future.

The last time we stood, we nearly beat Labour and got more votes than all the other parties put together - Tories, UKIP / Reform, Lib Dems and Greens. 

I am the only candidate that can beat Labour. This time you can help me to get over the line and represent you again.

Please Vote Andrew Pope Independent Network on 7th May." 

  

Vote Andrew Pope Independent Network
Putting You First
Image: Southampton Independents (AP)

Andrew Pope Won His Safe Standing Campaign for St Marys Stadium -
A Campaign Launched at MP3 Centre, Millbrook
Photo: Southampton Independents (AP)

Andrew Pope Safe Standing Launch at MP3 Millbrook
Photo: Southampton Independents (DW)

Andrew Pope at the MP3 Centre, Millbrook
Photo: Southampton Independents (CT)

OVER TO YOU

Southampton Independents was formed by Southampton residents for Southampton residents.

Co-founder of Southampton Independents, Councillor Andrew Pope said:

Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope on the BBC

"People told me so many times that they have had enough of Labour or Tory and the same old story.

And they still do.

Both of those Westminster parties have let our City, and our Country, down for decades.

I am proud of the fact that we took the initiative to form Southampton Independents and register it as a political party.

I am proud of the thousands of Southampton residents who have supported Southampton Independents when I stood in the General Election in 2017 and when our candidates stood in the Southampton City Council elections in 2018.

To do things as Independents is very hard, takes a lot of personal time and money, but it is worthwhile and rewarding, because it comes from the people for the people.

Southampton Independents achieved many great things, as shown on this website and in the Daily Echo and other local media.

And I am particularly proud of Denise Wyatt, who through hard work and dedication, almost took a safe Labour seat in Redbridge in 2018.

I would like to thank Denise, our volunteers and and all of our supporters, and all those people who helped Southampton Independents achieve what it has.

Southampton Independents have shown that there is an alternative to Labour and the Tories.

I urge the people of Southampton to grasp the opportunities that Southampton Independents has proved are there."

Co-founder of Southampton Independents Denise Wyatt says:

Denise Wyatt

"By working with residents, listening to their concerns and acting on them, Southampton Independents has worked for the people of Southampton, and for a better Southampton for its people.

Thanks again to all those who voted for me, and to those who helped me to help you. And a special thanks to Andrew Pope.

By working together, people can make a better Southampton and break away from the failing Labour Party and failing Tory Party.

Even Councillors and MPs of both those parties are realising that both parties are a failure. The recent resignations of MPs show that we were right to form Southampton Independents. They have been recently saying what we said all along.

The alternative to Labour and the Tories has to come from the people of Southampton, if it is change the City for the better.

It is now over to you..."

3 YEARS ON Are People Safe at NHS Southern Health?

3 years ago, we heard of the Mazars Report into the unexplained deaths at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, which is supposed to care for people in the South of England.

We were astonished at what we discovered. So we did some work to contact those affected and to find out more.

As a service to the public, to patients of the Trust and their families, we updated this website with our work to expose the failures in care, and what we found out.

The more that we worked to expose the Trust's failures, the more concerned we became at how people had been put at risk by the failings of the Trust -  and we held those responsible to account - the Trust Board, its executive and non-executives directors and the then Chief Executive, Katrina Percy.

We pushed for the BBC and ITV, and the local Daily Echo, to report on the failings.

The then Chair of the Trust Mike Petter, and the Trust Board tried to stop the media from attending meetings. He also refused the recording of meetings. We continued to push and now the meetings are recorded.

After we had forced them to allow the media in to their meetings, Mr Petter told us when we challenged him in public, despite the unexplained deaths and the Mazars Report that: "There would be no resignations".

The media then reported on the failings. And resignations followed.

Only one of the then governors, John Green, had the guts to ask the questions that mattered to the Trust Board. That is, to do what governors are supposed to do and hold the Trust Board to account. And he resigned.

The public were told by Katrina Percy via the media that "lessons would be learned".

But then we heard of more unexplained deaths.

We were sceptical as to whether lessons had really been learned. Also sceptical were the families of those who were let down by Southern Health.

Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope

Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope asked the Labour and Conservative councillors on the Southampton City Council Health Scrutiny Panel (there were no independent councillors on the Panel) to hold a vote-of-no-confidence in the Trust Board and Governors. The Panel is supposed to hold the local NHS to account.

Andrew says:

"All Labour and Tory councillors refused to hold a vote-of-no-confidence, with the Chair of the Panel Labour Councillor Sarah Bogle, leading the refusal.

I had urged them to do this. Denise Wyatt attended the Panel with me. But all councillors on the Panel refused the vote-of-no-confidence.

Why did they refuse when the Board and Governors had presided over such dreadful failures?"

Then we heard of the prosecutions of Southern Health. And fines for deaths and the suffering of families, that could have been avoided.


With the Chief Executive gone, with the Chair gone too, and then more directors resigning, we questioned whether the Trust really had changed.

Denise Wyatt

So in July this year, the Leader of Southampton Independents, Denise Wyatt, stood and was elected as a governor of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, representing the Southampton area on the Trust's Council of Governors.

Denise has been asking questions internally at the Trust and is now even more alarmed at the answers, as well as the lack of answers to important questions.

Denise says:

"As a Governor representing Southampton residents, I will continue to ask the questions that Southampton people and NHS patients want answers to, and to try to hold the Trust Board and Chair to account. I am pleased that some other governors also appear to want to do this, but I am disappointed that others seem to want to ignore their responsibility."

SAFE STANDING: Government to Review the Rules

Since last year, our Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope has been leading the local campaign for Safe Standing at St. Mary's Stadium.

Andrew was interviewed by Julian Clegg on BBC Radio Solent this week. The interview is below.

Photos of rail seats, which are proposed for the trial of Safe Standing at St. Mary's Stadium, are below and in the video that accompanies the interview. Other photos that help to explain the campaign are also on the video stream, including the dangers of "unsafe standing" as currently.

"Passionate Paula" is behind a trip hazard

When "Passionate Paula" gets excited...
... she could trip on the seat in front of her

And "Passionate Paula" can fall on other fans...

The local petition for Safe Standing at St. Mary's Stadium is here. If you have not signed it already, please sign it and share it with your contacts, colleagues, friends and family. At the time of writing, over 800 Saints fans have signed it.

As a result of the national campaign led by the Football Supporters Federation across England for Safe Standing at English grounds in the Premier League and Championship, and because the Government said they would not be looking at Safe Standing despite our campaign, a national petition was started. The e-petition gained over 100,000 signatures in a short time, and resulted in a debate in Parliament on Monday this week.

At the end of the debate, the Minister responsible Tracey Crouch MP, confirmed a review of the rules that currently prevent safe standing.

Councillor Andrew Pope says:

Councillor Pope showing
Rail Seats for Safe Standing
at St. Mary's Stadium

"This is a major step in the right direction for the campaign for Safe Standing across England and at St. Mary's Stadium.

Thanks to everyone who has supported the campaign so far:

• Southampton fans who signed my petition
• Jon Darch and the Safe Standing Roadshow
• The Daily Echo and That's Solent TV who have covered the campaign
• BBC Radio Solent and Wave 105 who have interviewed me several times
• the majority of Southampton City councillors who supported my motion supporting Safe Standing.*
• the Total Saints Podcast who have helped to promote the campaign
• MPs that spoke in the debate in Parliament on Monday

But we are not there yet. The rules have not been changed yet and this review appears to be taking until at least early 2019.

This may be an attempt to kick safe standing into the long grass.

We have not campaigned for years to allow this to happen.

We have to keep up the pressure.

If you want to help with our Safe Standing campaign, or if you want to help us with our other campaigns across Southampton, contact Southampton Independents by emailing us at sotonindies [at] gmail.com."

*(N.B. None of the Coxford councillors voted for the motion - Don Thomas, Keith Morrell and Tammy Thomas - and not all Labour councillors supported it - including Shirley Councillor Satvir Kaur. But the vast majority of Labour and Conservative councillors did support the motion.)

Does Labour Want McDonald's at Itchen Bridge OR NOT?

Is is another Labour Highway Robbery?

MCDONALD'S ARE NOT HAPPY.

THE SOUTHAMPTON LABOUR COUNCIL SOLD MCDONALD'S THE LAND THEN THE LABOUR-MAJORITY PLANNING COMMITTEE REFUSED PLANNING PERMISSION TO THEM.

McDonald's is appealing the Labour-run Council's decision to refuse the planning permission.

They are appealing to the Planning Inspector, whose decision will be final.

Andrew Pope and Denise Wyatt from Southampton Independents were at the Planning Committee when the refusal was done.

Our Councillor Andrew Pope says:

"Two of the Southampton Labour councillors who agreed to sell the land to McDonald's, spoke against the planning permission when it came to the Planning Committee.

The councillors are both Woolston Labour councillors. Their names are Councillor Warwick Payne and Councillor Chris Hammond. The latter is now the Leader of the Council.

Another former Labour Councillor Paul Lewzey, who was also in the Cabinet, spoke against the McDonald's at Woolston.

Yet they had previously supported it.

Were they for or against McDonald's using the site for a McDonald's?

It's difficult to tell when they changed their minds.

Or perhaps they thought that McDonald's would not use the site for a McDonald's, but for some kind of space mission instead?

What do you think?

Southampton Independents is neutral on this application, but I have made a representation to the Planning Inspector about the way the Labour-run Council and Labour Councillors have handled this.

They can't be allowed to get away with it."

Leader of Southampton Independents Denise Wyatt says:

"Is it another case of Labour's Highway Robbery?

Were they only after the money for selling the land, to pay for the extra millions for their Arts Complex in the City Centre?

Residents need to know.

Tell us by email at sotonindies [at] gmail.com or via our phone on 07580715687"

YOUR VIEWS: Lidl - Does the Labour Council Only Want the Money?

Southampton Labour has already robbed millions
that could have spent on roads
and spent it on the Arts Complex

Proposed Lidl Foodstore on Shirley Road and Villiers Road

Southampton Independents put residents, not MPs in London, first. We listen to residents. We act with residents. We are a local political party, formed by residents in 2017. Join us!

What do you think of the “new” plans by Lidl for the Shirley Road and Villiers Road site (new planning application 18/00746/FUL)?

Lidl already have a massive warehouse
that is adding pollution to our air

Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope already objected to the previous planning application, so we were pleased that it was rejected by the Planning Committee.

Councillor Andrew Pope
in one of the roads nearby

Andrew says:

"Residents were disappointed that trees that I mentioned in his objection were not protected by the Labour-run Council. Why? And why did they demolish the site. Do they only want the money from selling the land? It seems so.

Have the plans changed enough? Have they dealt with your concerns? What do you think?

Southampton Independents will form our view based on what residents tell us. Contact us to tell us."

In the Daily Echo on 17th May, speaking on YET ANOTHER Lidl proposal in our City (on Brownhill Way in the North of our City), Andrew is quoted saying:

“I want to see what Lidl is going to do for local residents, because Lidl will be making lots of money, so they have to deliver benefits such as improved transport links, a new park and ride, and finally deliver on the promise of sustainability including solar panels...

The Labour Council has to make Lidl do this.

Residents and the local area must benefit from the new store, if it goes ahead.”

These comments apply to this site too. The Echo article is also available online here.

Tell us what YOU think of Lidl’s plans. Tell us what YOU think of our ideas. Contact us at the details on this website (on the left). We also have a Facebook page and a Twitter feed.

Leader of Southampton Independents Denise Wyatt says:

Leader of Southampton Independents
Denise Wyatt

"Standing as the Southampton Independents candidate, I almost took a Labour safe seat in Redbridge Ward, because I worked hard and listened to residents - not just at election time. The seat is now a marginal seat. So’ton Indies intend to win it next time.

Southampton Independents was formed to put YOU first, not MPs in London. 

Because Southampton Independents are local residents, just like you. Join us!"

VOTE
SOUTHAMPTON
INDEPENDENTS

THANK YOU! SOUTHAMPTON INDEPENDENTS ARE ON THE MAP

Denise Wyatt doubled her vote between 2016 and 2018

Our local Southampton Independents party is just over one year old. We were only registered as a political party in 2017.

Leader of Southampton Independents, Denise Wyatt, says:

Leader of Southampton Independents
Denise Wyatt

 
"My result in Redbridge Ward was fantastic. Thanks to everyone who voted for me, delivered leaflets or who put posters up or who put boards up.

It was still slightly disappointing, in that I did not win for local residents.

But I am very pleased that I got more than double the number of votes in the last Council election in 2016. There was no Council election in 2017.

Southampton Independents has shown that it can reduce a huge majority in a "safe" Labour seat, and make it into a marginal seat that we can win next time.

We will continue to help and support residents, as we always have promised, and as we always have done.

Join us and then we can win seats across Southampton! We are definitely on the map now."

Sylvia and Richard supporting Denise

Southampton Independents Councillor for Redbridge, Andrew Pope, says:

Southampton Independents Councillor
Andrew Pope

"Denise should be very proud of the levels of support that I heard during the election campaign.

People all over the Redbridge Ward, from Old Redbridge to Maybush to Millbrook and to the Channel Islands estate, were so enthusiastic about voting for Denise.

It was fantastic to hear and see their enthusiasm.

Southampton Independents is only a small and young party.

Join us and make Southampton have a positive future, not more Labour or Tory, same old story.

There are many people, too many people, to thank.

You know who you are!

And you know what Southampton Independents is all about - by residents and for residents."

Jenny supporting Denise

Shelley supporting Denise

One of our many boards displayed
by one of our supporters

UDPATED (19th May): WOW! WHAT A RESULT! WE MAKE REDBRIDGE A MARGINAL SEAT

Denise Wyatt, who was the Southampton Independents Council Candidate for Redbridge Ward, says:

"Wow! What a result!

Thank you for the amazing support, all the well-wishers on the doorsteps and in the streets and thanks for all your votes!

I am delighted to have the trust and confidence of so many people.

Sadly, I almost won but not quite. I am delighted with the result and I hope residents are too.

JUST 199 VOTES WERE IN IT.

Southampton Independents, with your help, has taken the Redbridge Ward from being a "safe" Labour seat two years ago to it now being a "marginal".

In 2016, Labour won by 822 votes.
At the next Council election, it was just 199 votes.

It is within touching distance.

The now former Council Leader Simon Letts only won by a similar margin in 2014. Four years later he has lost his seat. The former Leader of the Council Tories Jeremy Moulton also lost his seat.

Labour still has just two majority. Labour or Tory, same old story.

I will continue to support and work with local residents.

Join us! Enough is Enough!

Thanks again for all your help and thanks for all your support."

VOTE TODAY FOR DENISE Polling Stations Open 7am - 10pm!

Look out for this dropping on your mat!

Lots of residents are backing Denise!

Denise Wyatt is the Southampton Independents Council Candidate for Redbridge Ward. Denise lives and works locally.

Denise Wyatt

Denise says: 

"Please vote for me today!

I am at the bottom of the ballot paper, because the names are in alphabetical order. With your help, when the votes are counted, I will be at the top!

I have been receiving amazing support from people on their doorsteps and on the streets. Lots and lots of people told me that they have already voted for me by post, and asked their friends and family too.

So many people have put posters up in their windows and put Southampton Independents boards in the gardens. Have you seen them? Thank you. Will you do the same? It's brilliant if you do it today. Show your support.

And it's not over yet! I'm not elected yet! Only one seat needs to change for a positive future! Labour has just a two majority and one seat changing means no more majority and we will stop their stupid decisions.

Please get out there and get all your friends and family to vote for me too.

We can't carry on with this useless Council!

You know that I stand up for you."

Sylvia and Richard support Denise

Sylvia Priestley (left), who lives in Redbridge says:

"I have joined Southampton Independents because they listen to you and they act upon your problems."

Richard Smith (right), who lives in Maybush says:

"Southampton Independents are the only party that actually DO what they say they will. They listen and act on what residents say."

Jenny supports Denise

Jenny Murray (left) lives in Millbrook, next to Mansel Park. Jenny says:

"Vote for the best. Vote for Denise Wyatt Southampton Independents."

Shelley supports Denise

Shelley Jones (left) lives in Redbridge. Shelley says:

"Vote for Southampton Independents for the things you want done.

They listen and act for you."

Southampton Independents Councillor Andrew Pope, who Denise hopes to join on the Council, lives in Maybush and says:

Southampton Independents
Councillor Andrew Pope
supports Denise

"Please put your cross next to Denise Wyatt Southampton Independents Putting You First and the Southampton Independents logo.

Denise has worked hard for 3 years for this. I know because I have worked with her and with lots of other local residents who want a better area.

Residents know this. Residents trust Denise. Residents know Denise stands up for them. 

Denise is a respected and trusted woman in our area. 

This is why residents are backing Denise. You can get Denise elected today, or you can carry on with more of the same stuff.

Denise did very well the first time she stood, two years ago, but did not win overall. 

Denise has achieved so much for our area.  As an elected councillor, she can achieve so much more by carrying on her hard work. I am proud to stand up for residents with her and I will be proud of serving you with Denise.

You can make it happen today, polling stations are open 7am to 10pm.

Thank you for supporting Southampton Independents.

We listen to YOU. We put YOU first."