The State of Independents

While I have always been to the ‘left’ in politics, I’ve always been prepared to work across political divides for the benefit of local communities and I am in fairly regular contact with a number of Independent Councillors who are both effective and diligent in representing their individual wards. I have no political axe to grind here, but I do have serious concerns about the state of our local politics in Bedfordshire and the current Independent (Alliance) led Central Bedfordshire Council administration.

I have written previously about the reality of politics meaning that unless you can form a unified team you will not be able to put in place the much needed changes required across Central Bedfordshire.

I do understand that the ‘non-political’ approach relentlessly pitched by many Independents candidates at election time can have a certain appeal, but recent events demonstrate where a lack of any political direction ends up.

As the Independent-led Council has inevitably descended into chaos amid resignations, splits and recriminations, it highlights the importance of having a manifesto by which you can be held accountable and the clear direction it provides a ruling administration. At election time it also lets you know what you are voting for, or indeed voting against.

This lack of any sense of direction has no doubt contributed to the current shambles that is the Council’s policy on SEND provision.

It is also particularly disappointing that the current leadership of the Council seems to resent being held accountable, or be subjected to the very scrutiny they were actually once rather effective at when in opposition.

Further, the current executive of the Council relentlessly takes full credit for any ‘good news’ story, yet when they have to give less welcome news they, almost without fail, blame ‘The Council’, as if it is a separate entity they are not any part of, or indeed, the leaders of.  

I do have a degree of sympathy for the current administration. Local councils have been underfunded for many years and the current Labour government will have to do much more to repair the damage. However, I’m getting a sense that the Executive have almost thrown in the towel and realise the game may soon be up.

It is also particularly grim that some in the supposedly apolitical Council Executive display a tribalism and vitriol that far exceeds what we see across much of Party politics in the UK. They say always be nice to people on the way up, as you will surely meet them on the way down. Wise words indeed.

Why does all this matter? A lack of accountability and willingness to be put under scrutiny further erodes trust in politics and politicians – already at a very low ebb. Our democracy with all its checks and balances is precious, but it is also very fragile. Recent events in America have shown us just how quickly it can be dismantled.

It is up to everyone involved in politics in one way or another, from Parish Council to Parliament, to ensure that trust in our political system is maintained.

Julian Vaughan

14th April 2025

Further reading:

Are planning conditions worth the paper they are written on?

Fixing the system