It was a case of standing room only at Dorchester’s Colliton Club as more than 60 people flocked to the launch of the county’s new independent political movement ALL for Dorset.
They heard author and pioneering campaigner Peter MacFadyen talk about how independent councillors had taken control of Frome town council by being open and transparent, listening and respecting people’s views and working for and with the community.
Mr MacFadyen spoke about some of the achievements carried out by the independent controlled council. These include the establishment of Fair Frome to help alleviate the effects of poverty for local people while Compassionate Frome has interlinked the health centre, community hospital and social services with care provision available from local charities and other groups.
He urged people to be bold and take action in Dorset: “It is time for change and we do need more people to step up. There is a huge job to do. As a former mayor of Frome and leader of the council, I have had a huge amount of fun and enjoyment and got a great deal out of it.
“In my view, it has not been a political career, which has allowed us to take more risks and at time make mistakes. But by not taking risks you won’t change things.”
Peter Andrews, of the Bath and North East Somerset Independent Group, which is fielding councillors for the unitary elections in May, said national politics had no place at town and unitary authority level.
He said it was important that independent movements, such as ALL for Dorset, should follow the seven principle of public life, known as the Nolan Principles – selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Among the audience at the Colliton Club was Dorset’s independent Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill and representatives from the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole independent group, Alliance for Local Living, along with people from across the county.
Alistair Chisholm, Dorchester town crier and independent councillor, said he was delighted to see so many people at the inaugural ALL for Dorset launch: “Dorset has always had an appetite for independent thought. Now is the time for change, time to take action and time to stand in the May elections working for and with our fantastic local communities,” he added.
At the end of the meeting, around a dozen people filled in forms indicating they were keen to stand at either town or unitary local authority level. Selection meetings will be held within the next month.
People thinking about standing for election at either unitary or parish/town councils should contact [email protected]
