ABOUT US - OUR AIMS AND HISTORY

• In 2002, The Richmondshire Independents' Group was formed by Founder Members Paul Cullen, Helen Grant, Lynn Miller, Katherine Carr and Sylvia Golding as a result of its opposition to the political block voting, political whipping and decision-making behind closed doors at RDC.

• From the outset our group's main aim was to offer support and assistance to independent candidates who wished to stand in local elections. We offered our knowledge and experience freely to such candidates and this has now manifested itself in an increased representation of Independents throughout Richmondshire.

• At the RDC 2003 Election, 13 Candidates stood and 5 were elected and in the 2007 RDC Elections, we fielded 6 candidates and 4 were successfully elected.

• In May 2011 the Richmondshire Independents fielded 4 candidates and 3 were successfully elected and we also offered free assistance and advice to several Independents who were standing.

• As well as our Elected Councillors we also have a growing list of grass roots members from within Richmondshire who support us in a variety of ways.

• After the elections in 2011 which resulted in the election of 16 Independents, Richmondshire Independents agreed to join the other two Independent Groups at RDC to form The Independents, but with each group still retaining their own group identity.

• We still continue to actively offer advice and assistance to any person who wishes  to become involved in either a representative or support role for Independents in Richmondshire and beyond.