ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT ALLIANCE
Almost three years ago there was a move to try and bring together all opposition councillors to propose alternative policies to those of the Labour Party. Unfortunately both the Liberal Democrats (who always vote with Labour) and the Conservatives refused to join any organised opposition.

There was a strong desire amongst independently minded councilors that a unified and well organised opposition was the best way to challenge Labour’s grip of the Council and in late 2005 an Alliance of Independent Councillors was formed. The South Tyneside Progressives also joined the Alliance of Independents and on occasions worked closely with the Alliance. 

Given the increasing popularity of the Independent movement in South Tyneside the Progressives felt that they were in danger of losing their unique identity and decided to leave the Independent Alliance in February 2008 although they have vowed to continue working closely with the Independent Alliance in opposing the ruling Labour group. 

The Independent Alliance is NOT AN ALTERNATIVE POLITICAL PARTY it is simply an Alliance of Independently minded people who work together on issues we know the public agree on.
 
Following a number of successful public meetings it was obvious that the vast majority of local people wanted to see an end to Labour’s domination of the Council and national political parties dictating local council policies. In addition the public felt that the Labour group put self interest and their own pockets before the interests of local people. The public also wanted a bigger say for local people in deciding the direction and policies of the council - but above all wanted change!

In the 2006 local elections, the Alliance fielded candidates in 15 out of the 18 wards. In the 2007 local elections, the Alliance fielded candidates in 14 out of the 18 wards and was astounded at the depth of support it received. In terms of the number of votes cast the Alliance came second again in 2007 and has strengthened it position as the only official opposition to Labour. The Progressives came third, the Conservatives came fourth and the Liberal Democrats were pushed into a lowly fifth place.

Campaigning for the elections in 2008 started almost immediateley and we aim to to have candidates standing in a significant number of wards and with your support we anticipate making more gains this time around.

With your support the end of more than 30 years of Labour domination, decay, self interest and complacency is in sight!