LOCAL INDEPENDENTS RECEIVE A WARM WELCOME IN NEWARK
Independents for Newark (IfN) - a new groundswell of people uniting and supporting independent candidates for the May 2023 local elections - received a warm welcome at their first public event in Newark.
Over 200 people engaged with IfN’s market stall in Newark on Saturday October 22, stopping to ask questions and showing great interest in local politics. Responses were warm to the new group, with positive feedback on the benefits of independent councillors and the need for fresh faces and new voices in the next elections.
“The launch of our group is an important step forward in getting a balanced voice in our town and district councils,” says David Moore, owner of Newark Art Gallery. “As a group that doesn’t vote along party lines, IfN will be a voice of reason among the right, the centre and the left, and will do its utmost to bring a clear message that stands for the good of Newark and its people.”
Many people left the stall with information in their hands, whilst IfN’s website visitors and social media followers ramped up on the day.
“It was great to be at the launch of Independents for Newark in the Market Place yesterday,” says Dawn Campbell, a spokesperson for IfN. “The positive mood was evident and it was interesting to have conversations and hear the views of a variety of market visitors, as well as seeing many familiar faces.”
“We had a lot of compliments on our branding and logo,” said Emma Oldham, who was at the stall for the afternoon. “Our logo has been inspired by the Queen’s sconce, built in 1646 during the English Civil War, to protect the garrison of King Charles I based at Newark Castle. We felt the Sconce concept was very fitting to our purpose - to protect and enhance the lives of people in Newark.”
IfN strives to provide a safe and supportive platform for potential Independent candidates, assisting them to successfully navigate the world of local politics, helping to raise their profile and build their connections.
If you want to stand, support or vote for Independents in the 4 May 2023 elections, please visit https://www.independentsfornewark.co.uk/
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For further details, please contact:
Emma Oldham (07939180489)
Jenni Harding (07880793790)
● Independents now control six councils across England in Middlesbrough, Nottinghamshire, Essex, Surrey and East Devon, and hold the balance of power in several more.
● In Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, 30 out of 35 seats on the District Council in 2019 were won by the Ashfield Independents, just four years after forming a group.
● In 2019, independents had a massive breakthrough, making over 650 gains. They now make up about 13% of all local councillors in England and Wales
● 32 local councils are led by an Independent, according to the Local Government Association. A further 34 further councils have Independents or smaller parties playing roles in the administration.
