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Independent Network

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Independent Network
Founded2005
TypeNon-profit association / political party
FocusIndependent political candidates
Location
  • London, UK
Area served
Politics
Websiteindependentnetwork.org.uk

The Independent Network (IN) is a United Kingdom-based non-profit organisation supporting independent politicians and political candidates. It is 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]

Furthering this commitment to independence, the organisation operates on the philosophy of being "free from the political whip." This model is designed to ensure that representatives remain autonomous, prioritizing the specific needs and priorities of their local constituents over centralized party agendas or national voting instructions.[4]

Principles

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The Independent Network operates under a formal commitment to the "Bell Principles," a framework for ethical governance named after the former independent MP Martin Bell. These principles serve as the organization's moral compass, emphasizing that representatives should be guided by integrity and the interests of their constituents rather than party loyalty.

According to its mission, the network mandates that all endorsed candidates adhere to these core values:

  • Ethical Leadership: Making decisions based on community needs and principles rather than political expediency.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Maintaining open communication regarding funding, campaign strategies, and decision-making processes.
  • Inclusivity and Engagement: Actively seeking diverse community feedback to ensure all residents are authentically represented.

By adopting this framework, the Independent Network seeks to provide a "free from the political whip" alternative to traditional partisan politics, ensuring that independent voices remain accountable solely to the people they serve.[4]

Organisation

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Marianne Overton, Jim Thornton and Karen Lucioni are the organisation's leadership, fulfilling the roles of leader, treasurer, nominations officer and campaigns officer.[5] Similarly, these individuals are the registered officers for the political party.[6][7] The organisation has been registered as a company since 2009, with Thornton and Brian Ahearne serving as directors.[8]

Supporters

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IN has been supported by several notable figures in independent politics,[3] including Martin Bell; Richard Taylor MP;[9] Terry Waite and Esther Rantzen.

During the 2005 elections, with IN's backing, Reg Keys[10] contested 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.[11]

Services

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Independent PPCs at the January Workshop in Birmingham.

IN offers services and support to independent candidates.[12] 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.[13][14][15]

IN endorsed independent candidates in the 2010 election. Endorsed candidates could use the IN logo and branding.[16]

The Candidate Academy

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As part of its expanded support framework, the Independent Network operates the Candidate Academy, a specialized initiative designed to provide independent politicians with structured training and mentorship. The academy focuses on equipping candidates with the practical skills and legal knowledge necessary to navigate the electoral process without the institutional support of traditional political parties. By offering resources on campaign strategy and voter engagement, the academy serves as a professional hub where candidates can share best practices while maintaining their commitment to the Bell Principles. This educational infrastructure aims to ensure that independent representatives can conduct robust, ethically-grounded campaigns that are responsive to local community needs.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Independent Network GB register entry". The Electoral Commission. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  2. ^ "Independent Network NI register entry". The Electoral Commission. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ a b c "The Independent Network". The Independent Network. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
  5. ^ "Independent Network Our Leading Key People". Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  6. ^ "Independent Network GB register entry". The Electoral Commission. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  7. ^ "Independent Network NI register entry". The Electoral Commission. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  8. ^ "Independent Network Companies House registration". Companies House. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  9. ^ 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
  10. ^ 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
  11. ^ "Terry Waite Letter to the Independent Network". Opendemocracy.net. 6 January 2010. Archived from the original on 16 June 2010. Retrieved 26 August 2010.
  12. ^ "Independent Network Membership and Support". Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  13. ^ The Daily Telegraph A comment on the workshop
  14. ^ About Workshop Birmingham
  15. ^ "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.
  16. ^ IN Endorsement Pack[dead link]
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