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 MPsMartin Bell and Richard Taylor have been involved. A number of supporters of IN are current independent representatives in national, regional and local governments.[citation needed]
IN does not impose political views on the individuals it supports. However, individuals must adhere to a code of conduct.[citation needed]
Organisationedit
Marianne Overton, Jim Thornton and Karen Lucioni are the organisations 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]
Supportersedit
IN has been supported by several notable figures in independent politics,[7] including Martin Bell; Richard Taylor MP;[8]Terry Waite and Esther Rantzen.
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]
^"Independent Network Companies House registration". Companies House. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
^White, Michael (24 March 2005). "Bell Backs Indie MPs". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 18 September 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2010.
^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
^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
^"Terry Waite Letter to the Independent Network". Opendemocracy.net. 6 January 2010. Archived from the original on 16 June 2010. Retrieved 26 August 2010.
^"Independent Network Membership and Support". Retrieved 21 February 2023.
^"About the Birmingham Workshop". Independent-mps.co.uk. Retrieved 26 August 2010.[permanent dead link]
^"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.