Ashford Independents Explained

Ashford Independents
Leader:	Noel Ovenden
Ideology:	Localism
Headquarters:	Ashford, Kent
Country:	the United Kingdom
Colours:	Yellow-green
Seats1 Title:	Ashford Borough Council

The Ashford Independents are a local political party based in Ashford, Kent. The group was founded in 2003.^[1]

Currently, the Ashford Independents jointly form the minority administration of Ashford Borough council with the Green Party.^[2]

History

In the 2023 Ashford Borough council election, the party won nine seats: two less than at the previous election.^{[3] [4]} Their leader, Noel Ovenden, was elected leader of the council, with the support of the Greens. This marked the first time the council hadn't been Conservative led in over 20 years.^[5]

In May 2024, an independent councillor joined the Ashford Independents, which brought their total to 10 councillors.^{[6] [7]}

Manifesto

The party has a manifesto, which sets out its policies for the local area:^[8]

• Low local rates
• The establishment of a further education college to improve local skills
• Improved building standards for new housing
• Opposition to large developments on greenfield land
• Providing social housing for those who need it
• Improved public transport services

References

1. Web site: Registration . 19 July 2024 . The Electoral Commission.
2. Web site: 2023-05-31 . Drama as Tories break whip and Independents and Greens take power . 2024-07-19 . Kent Online . en.
3. Web site: Ashford Borough Council election results on May 5, 2023 . 2024-07-19 . www.ashford.gov.uk.
4. News: Ashford result - Local Elections 2023 . 2024-07-19 . BBC News . en-GB.
5. Web site: Ashford Borough Council reveals new Cabinet members . 2024-07-19 . www.ashford.gov.uk.
6. Web site: Councils Map LocalCouncils.co.uk . 2024-07-19 . www.localcouncils.co.uk.
7. Web site: 2024-07-19 . Your Councillors . 2024-07-19 . ashford.moderngov.co.uk . en.
8. Web site: Manifesto-New . 2024-07-19 . en-GB.