Meeting over party-free politics
A BRISTOL group has organised a public meeting to gather support for a new kind of "party-free politics" in the city.
It will be held at City Hall, College Green, on Tuesday, January 29, starting at 6.30pm.
Stephen Perry. who organises Bristol Speakers' Corner, said: "We are not setting up something with the trappings of a new political party – just an umbrella for candidates who want to champion their wards and who support the so-called 'Bell Principles', inspired by Martin Bell the former BBC correspondent and MP for Tatton, Cheshire.
"Party politics have not served local government well.
17th Edition 8 way fuse boards prevent fires & improve electrical safety. Save £28 on 8 way fuse boards for a limited time only with A & D Electrical.
Terms: Bristol and Bath areas.
Contact: 0117 2448240
Valid until: Monday, May 20 2013
"We want councillors to be guided by considered evidence, our real world experience and expertise, our constituencies and our consciences."
Chris Sunderland, a director of the new Bristol Pound currency, said: "Independents for Bristol is looking for men and women of the city from diverse backgrounds to come forward either to stand as candidates or to campaign for independents to be elected.
"It will offer help in campaign organisation and training too. We aim to raise some money to fund our activities.
How we proceed from here will be shaped and evolved by the Bristol public."
5 Comments
by fishinthepond
Thursday, January 24 2013, 6:52PM
“@ matic_113
"That maybe the case but the principles of his constitution make a good foundation for serious independents to differentiate themselves from single issue loons and people with extreme views. The key thing is that they make an independent and viable candidate."
Precisely my point, these are the principles from the constitution of a single issue loon. Now, what was the issue again in Tatton. Was it corruption or 'admitted wrongdoing?' Principles from such a discredited campaign certainly won't make any candidate viable but I suppose at least they'll be visible when dressed all in white.”
by KBarad
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 8:01PM
“Ha, so after we vote in an independent mayor we are following up with a push for more independence from party politics and the whips!
History be history, I am fundamentally against large party systems which reduce the voter's ability to have their vote count. I want to vote for a representative, not a party. A group who want to use their position to push for an independent city I think is a good initiative and I look forward to seeing if any of them impress me enough to get my vote because be sure of one thing: I vote for the people I believe in, and don't do it out of loyalty.”
by matic_113
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 5:38PM
“@ fishinthepond
"Bell ran a flawed campaign and refused to give any reasons to justify his decision to stand in Tatton in 1997 against the sitting MP Neil Hamilton. Check out the The Little Book of Bell - the true story of Bell's 1997 election victory"
That maybe the case but the principles of his constitution make a good foundation for serious independents to differentiate themselves from single issue loons and people with extreme views. The key thing is that they make an independent and viable candidate.”
by fishinthepond
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 5:27PM
“Stephen Perry, who organises Bristol Speakers' Corner, said: "We are not setting up something with the trappings of a new political party – just an umbrella for candidates who want to champion their wards and who support the so-called 'Bell Principles', inspired by Martin Bell the former BBC correspondent and MP for Tatton, Cheshire.
A great start Stephen to support the principles of an arrogant righteous fool. Presumably the first Bell principle is to wear a white suit at all times.
Bell ran a flawed campaign and refused to give any reasons to justify his decision to stand in Tatton in 1997 against the sitting MP Neil Hamilton. Check out the The Little Book of Bell - the true story of Bell's 1997 election victory:
http://tinyurl.com/bz2284u”
by Pipsbeard
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 8:29AM
“The "Not The Party, Party" candidates then.”