A new political party has launched in West Berkshire. The West Berkshire Residents Party is spearheaded by Wash Common independent councillor Adrian Abbs and will act as an umbrella for other independent councillors.
"For as long as West Berkshire Council has existed, it has been controlled by political parties - not by people dedicated to representing the residents of their wards, but by those whose primary goal is ensuring their party holds power," said Mr Abbs.
He says that has led to constant conflict, ideology being pushed first and good ideas being ignored. "The 'strong leader' model concentrates decision-making in a single person, surrounded by a cabinet they appoint themselves, with the rest of the party whipped into line to vote through their wishes," he said. He argues independents should start from a position of constructive engagement - working with whoever is in charge - rather than reflexive opposition.
Mr Abbs left the Liberal Democrats in 2023 and gave up his executive environment role after a row over the selection of Wiltshire councillor Helen Belcher for the Reading West and Mid Berkshire Parliamentary seat. He says there are prospective independent candidates for Clay Hill, Greenham, Wash Common, Thatcham, Newbury and Aldermaston.
Local council elections in West Berkshire are due next year. Mr Abbs said: "With major issues on the horizon - North East Thatcham, the potential expansion of West Berkshire into something like a Ridgeway authority, the area's waste contract likely to be decided in the next election cycle, and many more pressing local matters - we need people who are willing to work together for the best outcome while remaining firmly rooted in the needs of their communities."
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
