Congratulations to all our members standing up for our communities and succeeding in the local elections.
Our LGA Independent Group maintained our Independent numbers and gained 45 additional Green councillors, increasing our total to 3,370 councillors, which is 19.5 per cent of all councillors in LGA membership.
On a personal note, I retained my Lincolnshire County Council seat. I also stood for Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, in a team effort supported by Independents across the region’s 10 councils, overtaking two national parties, including the Liberal Democrats. We have also been working hard to ensure there is a place for everyone in the LGA, and a big part of that is helping to coordinate the new Reform UK Group office.
In addition, we will be reviewing what this means for our places on the LGA’s policy boards, alongside the LGA’s governance review, which has made further recommendations.
If you are a newly elected Independent or Green councillor, please do get in touch with our office. The LGA also offers a range of helpful resources online within our dedicated Councillor Hub, and is holding its annual national new councillors welcome event on 19 June, from 5-7pm (online), introducing the LGA and the role of the Independent Group Office.
Ahead of our group’s AGM at the LGA’s annual conference in Liverpool, from 1-3 July, group members wishing to propose a motion should provide a draft by 1 June.
I will soon be moving on from my position as the LGA’s Independent Group leader. I trust I will be passing it on to some capable hands that will continue to uphold values of integrity and respect. Please cast your vote!
We are also hosting a group hustings on 2 June (6-9pm), at the LGA’s London headquarters. If you wish to attend, please get in touch (email independent.grouplga@local.gov.uk).