Let's drop the politics

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to take the politics out of next year's Lewes Town Council elections.

Lewes Labour Party is calling on political groups in the town not to nominate candidates. Instead it is urging Independents to come forward.

So far no other party has come out in agreement. But neither has the radical idea been rejected in its entirety.

Dr Richard Black, Labour chairman, said in a letter to parties: 'As you may be aware, a great number of other town and parish councils in the region are already elected on non-party lines.

'Although it may not be in our political interest, Labour is willing to drop party political banners for town council elections to help create a diverse and vibrant town council which we believe to be in the interest of all Lewesians.

'We hope that you will join us in this initiative to work together for the benefit of Lewes. We welcome you to join us at a meeting to discuss how non-party elections could be achieved.'

At present there are no Labour members on Lewes Town Council which is made up of 16 LibDems, one Conservative and one Green.

Neil Commin, chairman of Lewes constituency LibDems, said in response that the letter raised several matters which needed clarification.

The matters being contemplated were of considerable significance to Lewes and it was therefore right that residents were aware of the issues, he added.

Since its creation in 1974, the council had been consistently party-political, although the significant contributions of genuine Independents such as Don Marsh and Philip Hall had to be recognised.

Only truly independent residents should stand under an Independent banner, he continued.

Lewes constituency Tory agent Jeanette Allen commented: 'Our national policy is that we stand as Conservatives and are proud to do so.

'If anyone wants to stand as a Conservative, let me know!

'We would however be willing to discuss the Independent idea with Labour and other political parties.'

Green council member Ruth O'Keeffe said she was happy to be a Green and, if she stood again, it would be as a Green.