Statement From Rutland County Council's Non Political Independent Political Group
Five councillors on Rutland County Council are working in partnership to get the very best they can for the residents of Rutland. Old hands Chris Parsons and Marc Oxley join Alan Walters, a councillor since 2011, and new councillors Ben Callaghan and Oliver Bird who were elected in May this year.
Talking shortly after the election Cllr Callaghan said “I realised very rapidly that if I am to do my best not only for those who voted for me, but for all residents of Rutland, this would require collaboration with other councillors. We are all five of us fiercely independent of Party Politics, but that doesn’t mean we should have to work alone”.
Cllr Oxley agreed adding; “With several hundred employees and scores of legal responsibilities, this is a major organisation in Rutland, and it unrealistic to expect any individual Councillor to know absolutely everything about every department. We have worked carefully to agree our places on various committees and outside bodies using our best strengths, experiences and interests so that networking together we can cover the full range of services in Rutland and work tirelessly for our residents. “
This arrangement means that the Independent Group is the official opposition on Rutland County Council, which some might take to mean that it is in some way “Political with a capital P” but Councillor Bird was quick to dismiss this saying; “Our fundamental agreement is that none of us will ever try to tell another how to speak or vote in a meeting. We are all elected as Independents for this term and intend staying so.”
With Cllr Bird appointed as a representative on Oakham Town Partnership, Cllr Oxley a business representative on Uppingham Town Partnership, and Cllr Parson having rural interests the group hope to make a real impact over the next four years. As part of this Cllrs Bird and Callaghan are spearheading a drive for a “focus group” of all Oakham councillors – regardless of politics – to meet and discuss issues and opportunities in the town. But that doesn’t mean the countryside will be forgotten, as Cllr Parsons is quick to point out; “Farming and other rural activities are an essential part of Rutland life – we need to take care to retain our unique character while encouraging tourism that is so important to our local economy”.
Summing up Cllr Walters added; “After witnessing the last four years at RCC we are determined that we will be constructive and credible in campaigning for the best outcomes for the residents of Rutland. We aim to help uncover new ideas for delivering services while our budget is being cut. We will never allow Politics to enter in to it”.
Five councillors on Rutland County Council are working in partnership to get the very best they can for the residents of Rutland. Old hands Chris Parsons and Marc Oxley join Alan Walters, a councillor since 2011, and new councillors Ben Callaghan and Oliver Bird who were elected in May this year.
Talking shortly after the election Cllr Callaghan said “I realised very rapidly that if I am to do my best not only for those who voted for me, but for all residents of Rutland, this would require collaboration with other councillors. We are all five of us fiercely independent of Party Politics, but that doesn’t mean we should have to work alone”.
Cllr Oxley agreed adding; “With several hundred employees and scores of legal responsibilities, this is a major organisation in Rutland, and it unrealistic to expect any individual Councillor to know absolutely everything about every department. We have worked carefully to agree our places on various committees and outside bodies using our best strengths, experiences and interests so that networking together we can cover the full range of services in Rutland and work tirelessly for our residents. “
This arrangement means that the Independent Group is the official opposition on Rutland County Council, which some might take to mean that it is in some way “Political with a capital P” but Councillor Bird was quick to dismiss this saying; “Our fundamental agreement is that none of us will ever try to tell another how to speak or vote in a meeting. We are all elected as Independents for this term and intend staying so.”
With Cllr Bird appointed as a representative on Oakham Town Partnership, Cllr Oxley a business representative on Uppingham Town Partnership, and Cllr Parson having rural interests the group hope to make a real impact over the next four years. As part of this Cllrs Bird and Callaghan are spearheading a drive for a “focus group” of all Oakham councillors – regardless of politics – to meet and discuss issues and opportunities in the town. But that doesn’t mean the countryside will be forgotten, as Cllr Parsons is quick to point out; “Farming and other rural activities are an essential part of Rutland life – we need to take care to retain our unique character while encouraging tourism that is so important to our local economy”.
Summing up Cllr Walters added; “After witnessing the last four years at RCC we are determined that we will be constructive and credible in campaigning for the best outcomes for the residents of Rutland. We aim to help uncover new ideas for delivering services while our budget is being cut. We will never allow Politics to enter in to it”.
