Bassetlaw councillor urges “good citizens” to stand as independents

Misterton councillor Hazel Brand was elected as an independent in 2010 and has since been re-elected three times.

The former NHS communications worker puts her political longevity down to “being involved in the community and working for the community”.

Hazel, who lives in Misterton, has been a parish councillor for 20 years, is a school governor, hospital trust governor and an active member of the parish church.

She said: “Most independents are highly involved with their communities - that’s how they find out what people need at a grassroots level.

“And as an independent councillor people vote for you in terms of your track record rather than your political party.

“Independents give people a viable alternative and are good for democracy.”

Sixty-nine-year-old Hazel described how she was a “great believer in being an independent councillor”.

She said: “One of the great advantages is you’re not constrained by party politics - you’re only constrained by your conscience.

“You vote for what’s best for your community rather than the party line.”

Though the Independent Group - of which there are five members at Bassetlaw Council - have no “governing structure” Hazel told how they were guided by the “Bell Principles”.

The seven rules formulated by journalist turned Independent MP Martin Bell set out commitments such as independence from party lines and acting upon evidence and “real world experience and expertise”.

There are currently two vacant wards – Ranskill and Tuxford – up for by-election at Bassetlaw Council, while the county council elections loom in May and the next district council elections are in 2023.

Hazel is urging people who are “engaged in their communities” to stand as independents.

She said: “We want people who know what’s going on locally - who listen to people.

“Living in the area isn’t a prerequisite but it helps to be at the heart of your community.

“You don’t need political experience but most independents are in various ways engaged with their communities.”

To find out more about joining the Bassetlaw’s Independent Group phone Hazel on 07710 292026 or email [email protected].

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