For Mike Assenheim’s benefit (Nov 4), in 2005 councillors Terry and Velmurugan formed Alliance Southend along with two sitting Conservative councillors at the time.
It was registered with the electoral commission, had Martin Terry as leader and had its own logo.
In the 2006 local elections councillors Asssenheim, Woodley and Painton all stood as candidates for Alliance Southend.
Following criticism they decided to drop being a formal political party and now call themselves the Independent Group.
This group consists of seven councillors, six of whom who have stood for a political party. This Independent group still has Mr Terry as its leader, who receives a leader’s salary.
I defy anybody to tell me what the difference is between Alliance Southend the political party and the relics of what remains of the Independent Group.
Tony Cox
Councillor, West Shoebury
West Road
Shoebury
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here