Wyre Forest MP prepared to lead Independents at Westminster (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Wyre Forest MP prepared to lead Independents at Westminster

7:40am Friday 20th November 2009

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WYRE Forest MP, Dr Richard Taylor, is prepared to become the leader of a new grouping of Independent MPs if he is re-elected.

He is involved with the Independent Network (IN), a loose association that provides support to candidates who are not members of traditional political parties.

It is a not-for-profit association, with a simple constitution, which does not impose any political views on the individuals and parties it supports or that support the IN.

Dr Taylor said: “If I am re-elected and if there are more Independent MPs I would certainly take on the leadership to help them become more effective in Parliament.

“It wouldn’t be leadership in the sense of saying that we are going to follow a certain policy but, if they wanted advice, I would be there and, on occasion, I would [continue to] speak as a senior elected independent.”

He added: “If I am re-elected, then it would be perfectly natural for me, after nine years in office, to help show other independents how things work.”

He explained: “This can’t really be seen as a coalition of Independents because independents must be independent of each another and political parties.”

Martin Bell, who was the first Independent MP in Britain for 50 years, has revealed that he is coaching 24 Independent election candidates on how to run and finance election campaigns.

According to reports, they are targeting the Chancellor and other MPs caught up in the expenses scandal.

In addition, Terry Waite, a former envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury who was held hostage in the Middle East, is also said to be advising the group.

Dr Taylor has revealed that he has spoken to Independent candidates about their plans and provided a “brief fact sheet” to help get them started.

He said: “I would love there to be more Independents. We have the great privilege of being able to support the Government if we think it is in the right and to oppose it if we feel it is not.”

The only rules of the IN are that affiliates must be non-racist and non-discriminatory and adhere to the Nolan Committee's recommendations on Standards in Public Life.

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