I would like to respond to Shoebury West councillor Cox’s tirade and inaccurate remarks on his blog via the Conservative website in which he states “Independents should be held to account”.
The Independents are not registered as a party with the Electoral Commission.
Independents in Southend have a group spokesman, not a leader.
Mr Cox says all but one of the Southend Independent councillors have belonged to a political party.
Wrong.
Four have never been political party members.
Mr Cox also says councillor Terry receives an expenses payment for being a spokesman. Of course he does, as all councillors do. However, Mr Cox neglects to say he receives many thousands of pounds for his committee standings.
Holding Independents to account has never been under question and, as an Independent myself, I would encourage it. Just because a candidate is an Independent, or an Independent councillor, does not mean they are not open to scrutiny.
They are, however, free to represent their constituents without toeing a party line.
One thing that sets them apart from other politicians is their ability to listen.
Independents are free to take their own lead and listen objectively without the pressure of the whips.
Mike Assenheim
Independent Councillor
Shoeburyness Ward
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