The People's Independent Party
The People's Independent Party (PIP) is a political party based in Castle Point, England. Formed in 2020[1] by independent councillor Steven Cole and registered in 2022,[2] PIP seek to prevent a plan to build 5,000 homes in the borough by taking control of the council from the ruling Conservatives.[3] The party also focuses on expanding activities for children and pushing for streetlights to be turned back on between 1am and 5am. At formation, the party was joined by 4 councillors (including Cole), all originally elected as independents.
Following the results of the 2022 election, the PIP gained 6 seats to take its tally to 10 councillors, ending over 20 years of Conservative control of Castle Point Borough Council.[4] A new joint administration was formed between the PIP and the Canvey Island Independent Party, with Steven Cole becoming Deputy Leader of the council.[5][6]
In the 2023 election, the People's Independent Party gained a further 7 seats[7] bringing their total up to 17 seats, all of which were taken from the Conservatives. There is 1 remaining seat in the St James' Ward that is Conservative-held, despite losing 21.3% of votes.[8] Current projects include preventing a development in Hadleigh.[9]
References
- "About". The People's Independent Party. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- "Registration summary". Electoral Commission. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- "Castle Point: New political party to stop 5,000 home plan". Matthew Critchell. Basildon, Canvey & Southend Echo. 21 March 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- "Castle Point Borough Council: Tories lose control after nearly 20 years". BBC News. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- "£140k scheme to revitalise playgrounds and open spaces in Castle Point". Sophie England. Yahoo! News. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- "Castle Point's new council administration to scrap local plan". Lewis Berrill. Basildon, Canvey & Southend Echo. 27 May 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- https://www.castlepoint.gov.uk/election-results/
- https://www.castlepoint.gov.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n7456.pdf&ver=12868
- "Hundreds oppose new estate of 173 homes on green belt in Hadleigh". Echo. 2022-08-27. Retrieved 2023-05-17.