JesseB

Hi Jesse, oh this gets complicated! Basically the IOC differ from the Herefordshire Independents in so much as they have a constitution, are organised, democratic, and meet regularly to discuss how to go forward with council issues. The Independents don't!

Each independent makes up their own mind how to vote even if this might be against other Independents.

There needs to be much better coordination between the two to defeat the Tories, but personalities have got in the way. Hopefully, Peter Jinman is his own man and may see his way through when elected, as I am sure he will be!!

Ouch ... Now my head is hurting! Thanks for the reply Chris - seems like it's confusing as well as complicated. It sounds like how IOC behave is a good thing. I really don't understand why they are mistrusted and disliked. I can believe they aren't necessarily agreed with - but isn't that what politics is all about? Unless we want an authoritarian dictatorship or a one-party state.

How do the Independents ever get anything done as a group if they don't organise? How do voters know what they stand for? In the Golden Valley another poster has said there's an official Independent and another Independent. What's the difference and what does standing as an official Independent mean? How is it official?

Sorry for all the questions. I have friends in the Valley and we are all scratching our heads.

JesseB, there are NOT two Independent groups, Herefordshire Independents is the official Independent group, but as it has been said elsewhere anyone can stand as an Independent. back in 2007 three Independents left Herefordshire Independents group and started up Its Our County (IOC). I am fed up with people saying the Independents and IOC should come together, that will never happen. IOC are not liked or trusted by any other group on Herefordshire council. As an ex-Independent councillor I could tell you a lot, but won't through an open website.

So is IOC Independent then if Independent councillors started it? and if it isn't, what makes it not Independent?

Hi Chris - thanks for explaining a bit. But I still don't understand why there are two independent groups in Herefordshire.

Peter Jinman is a local vet and well known in the area. He will be a good representative.

 

Anyone can stand as an independent. The clue is in the title. It is unfortunate that the leadership of the IOC and the leadership of the formal Herefordshire Independents can not see their way to bringing their groups more closely together. I live in hope that long before the next council elections that the differences might be solved and that the two groups, who sit under the 'Independent ' group umbrella at the Local Government Association, can at least have an understanding about who should contest each seat. I fear it is mainly a personality thing.

The common aim is to be rid of the Tories!

Thanks for the link. Silly me - I will try Google first, next time. IOC look interesting - they have done some good work on the farm sales and have a good reply on the crazy Boundary Commission plans for Herefordshire.

Information here:

 

It's Our County

 

 

Hello - I'm new to this group, but interested in Herefordshire politics. I'm a bit confused about who is standing in the city by-election. I didn't think there was an Independent candidate. Am I wrong?

I never understood why IOC and the Independents never joined forces. The conservatives are too strong in Hereford if the truth is known.

Hi - I'm new to the group, so sorry if this is a silly question ... but what's the history of IOC, how did they start and what do they stand for? And why are the Independents competing with each other in the Golden Vally and not putting up a candidate at all in the Hinton and Hunderton election in the city?