Independent Network Explained

Independent Network
Type:	Non-profit association / political party
Founded Date:	2005
Location:	London,
Area Served:	Politics
Focus:	Independent political candidates
Homepage:	http://www.independentnetwork.org.uk

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

IN does not impose political views on the individuals it supports. However, individuals must adhere to a code of conduct.

Organisation

Marianne Overton, Jim Thornton and Karen Lucioni are the organisation's leadership, fulfilling the roles of leader, treasurer, nominations officer and campaigns officer.^[3] Similarly, these individuals are the registered officers for the political party.^{[4] [5]} The organisation has been registered as a company since 2009, with Thornton and Brian Ahearne serving as directors.^[6]

Supporters

IN has been supported by several notable figures in independent politics,^[7] including Martin Bell; Richard Taylor MP;^[8] Terry Waite and Esther Rantzen.

During the 2005 elections, with IN's backing, Reg Keys^[9] constested 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.^[10]

Services

IN offers services and support to independent candidates.^[11] 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.^{[12] [13] [14]}

IN endorsed independent candidates in the 2010 election. Endorsed candidates could use the IN logo and branding.^[15]

External links

• The Independent Network Homepage
• Independent MPs blog
• Guide to Becoming an Independent Candidate

Notes and References

1. Web site: . Independent Network GB register entry. 21 February 2023. The Electoral Commission.
2. Web site: . Independent Network NI register entry. 21 February 2023. The Electoral Commission.
3. Web site: . Independent Network Our Leading Key People. 21 February 2023.
4. Web site: . Independent Network GB register entry. 21 February 2023. The Electoral Commission.
5. Web site: . Independent Network NI register entry. 21 February 2023. The Electoral Commission.
6. Web site: . Independent Network Companies House registration. 14 June 2023. Companies House.
7. News: Michael . White . Michael White (journalist) . Bell Backs Indie MPs . . London . 24 March 2005 . 26 August 2010 . 18 September 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140918022027/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/mar/24/uk.houseofcommons . live .
8. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/elections/article383210.ece Martin Bell and Dr Richard Taylor give their backing to the Independent Network
9. Web site: Soldiers' bereaved parents back Keys campaign . Matthew . Tempest . 22 April 2005 . . London . https://web.archive.org/web/20160306183646/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/apr/22/election2005.uk4 . 6 March 2016. Article about Reg Key's campaign
10. Web site: Terry Waite Letter to the Independent Network . Opendemocracy.net . 6 January 2010 . 26 August 2010 . 16 June 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100616114650/http://www.opendemocracy.net/ourkingdom/guy-aitchison/new-year-letter-to-independent-candidates-from-terry-waite . live .
11. Web site: . Independent Network Membership and Support. 21 February 2023.
12. https://web.archive.org/web/20111115095749/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/christopherhope/100023596/vote-independent-esther-rantzen-lynn-faulds-wood-martin-bell-rally-the-troops/ The Daily Telegraph
13. Web site: About the Birmingham Workshop . Independent-mps.co.uk . 26 August 2010 .
14. Web site: Independent Network Workshop, Broken Society and The Election Date . Stevenford.wordpress.com . 25 January 2010 . 26 August 2010 . 18 July 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110718110617/http://stevenford.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/independent-network-workshop-broken-society-and-the-election-date/ . live .
15. http://www.independentnetwork.org.uk/endorsement_pack IN Endorsement Pack