Independent Network
Organization
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Independent Network (IN) is a United Kingdom-based non-profit organisation supporting independent politicians and political candidates. It is registered as a political party with the Electoral Commission in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.[1][2]
- London, UK
 | |
| Founded | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit association / political party |
| Focus | Independent political candidates |
| Location |
|
Area served | Politics |
| Website | independentnetwork |
IN consists of supporters and volunteers who advocate non-partisan politics. Former MPs Martin Bell and Richard Taylor have been involved. A number of supporters of IN are current independent representatives in national, regional and local governments.[3]
IN does not impose political views on the individuals it supports. However, individuals must adhere to a code of conduct.[citation needed]
Furthering this commitment to independence, the organisation operates on the philosophy of being "free from the political whip." This model is designed to ensure that representatives remain autonomous, prioritizing the specific needs and priorities of their local constituents over centralized party agendas or national voting instructions.[4]
Principles
The Independent Network operates under a formal commitment to the "Bell Principles," a framework for ethical governance named after the former independent MP Martin Bell. These principles serve as the organization's moral compass, emphasizing that representatives should be guided by integrity and the interests of their constituents rather than party loyalty.
According to its mission, the network mandates that all endorsed candidates adhere to these core values:
- Ethical Leadership: Making decisions based on community needs and principles rather than political expediency.
- Transparency and Accountability: Maintaining open communication regarding funding, campaign strategies, and decision-making processes.
- Inclusivity and Engagement: Actively seeking diverse community feedback to ensure all residents are authentically represented.
By adopting this framework, the Independent Network seeks to provide a "free from the political whip" alternative to traditional partisan politics, ensuring that independent voices remain accountable solely to the people they serve.[4]
Organisation
Marianne Overton, Jim Thornton and Karen Lucioni are the organisation's leadership, fulfilling the roles of leader, treasurer, nominations officer and campaigns officer.[5] Similarly, these individuals are the registered officers for the political party.[6][7] The organisation has been registered as a company since 2009, with Thornton and Brian Ahearne serving as directors.[8]
Supporters
IN has been supported by several notable figures in independent politics,[3] including Martin Bell; Richard Taylor MP;[9] Terry Waite and Esther Rantzen.
During the 2005 elections, with IN's backing, Reg Keys[10] contested Sedgefield, the constituency of Tony Blair, following the death of his son in the Iraq War.
In January 2010, Waite sent an open letter to all independent Parliamentary candidates giving them his support and approval.[11]
Services
IN offers services and support to independent candidates.[12] Services include:
- Administrative and legal assistance for election purposes
- A list of best practices for campaigning, fundraising, public relations, and appropriate use of the Internet.
- Public opinion and policy research.
- Organising debates and discussions.
In January 2010, IN held a workshop in the Birmingham Priory Rooms to instruct PPCs on the electoral process and regulations. Bell, Taylor, Rantzen, and Lynn Faulds Wood attended the event.[13][14][15]
IN endorsed independent candidates in the 2010 election. Endorsed candidates could use the IN logo and branding.[16]
The Candidate Academy
As part of its expanded support framework, the Independent Network operates the Candidate Academy, a specialized initiative designed to provide independent politicians with structured training and mentorship. The academy focuses on equipping candidates with the practical skills and legal knowledge necessary to navigate the electoral process without the institutional support of traditional political parties. By offering resources on campaign strategy and voter engagement, the academy serves as a professional hub where candidates can share best practices while maintaining their commitment to the Bell Principles. This educational infrastructure aims to ensure that independent representatives can conduct robust, ethically-grounded campaigns that are responsive to local community needs.[4]