With “Independent” candidates having such a strong pull in 2023 local elections, it’s interesting to hear how many, who have chosen a party name for historic significance, are actually describing themselves as Independent on the doorstep or via social media posts.
Independent and undescribed candidates (from Wikipedia)
Part II of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 allows individuals who wish to stand as a candidate to all parliaments and assemblies in the UK, including the House of Commons, the right to use one of three ballot paper descriptions. Those descriptions are the name of a registered political party; the word “independent”; or no description at all.
Unless a candidate stands as “independent” or as a “No Description” candidate leaving the ballot paper description box blank, their candidature must be confirmed by a signed certificate from the relevant officer from a registered political party, as set out in Section 52 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006.
Please stand by your convictions and if you have chosen a party name and have a membership then you cannot describe yourself as Independent. Unless of course you are a gathering of independent like minds and are very clear in your party description of your relationship with the political party.
Here are a list of Election Candidates for Windsor 4th May 2023
Thank you.
Jon Davey
