in·de·pen·dent

in·de·pen·dent

“Affiliated with or loyal to no political party or organization.”
That’s the dictionary definition of the word independent, in relation to its meaning when associated with political candidates. So, when somebody calls themself “Independent” it should be a given that they are not affiliated with any political party, right? Because, well, that’s what the word means.

If you are local and follow Fenland politics then you might remember notorious independent Reg Kemp assuring us that 2011 was the year of the “independent breakthrough” and that his group of independents would sweep the traditional parties aside. Or something like that.

In the event, it didn’t happen. Though the independent candidates did have some success. Rob Skoulding was elected in March. The Bucknors (Virginia and Michael) were elected in Wisbech. But there was one Independent who wasn’t part of Reg Kemp’s Fenland Spring and that is my old verbal sparring partner, Mark Archer. The reason Mark Archer wasn’t part of it is because his success as an independent in the village of Manea predates them all. He is the original Mr Independent.

Here he is in 2011 after his election win, reported in the Cambs Times:-

MARK Archer thanked residents of Manea – an “independently-minded village” – after retaining his seat on Fenland District Council for a second term.

“Manea is a very independent minded village and I’m delighted to live in it.”

Indeed, Mark has always trumpeted his independence very loudly and proudly – in his election literature and in the press. And fair play to him – he clearly values the independence and the people of Manea seem to agree.

So it was that we were all a little surprised when he recently announced that he was joining the Lib Dems. Or that’s what we thought had happened. Now I should stress that there’s nothing about this that is “outside the rules.” In the UK we elect people, not parties, and a councillor can “cross the floor” any time they like. But if that person has made a big deal about how they wouldn’t do so, surely that merits at least a little gentle ribbing?

As it turns out, Mark has clarified on Twitter that he hasn’t joined the Lib Dems at all. No no, that would be wrong. Because he was elected as an independent and has always pronounced his independence like the sure tolling of a bell. So what did he say has happened, when challenged about his independence by my colleague Cllr Martin Curtis?

“Just to be clear folks, I have not joined the Lib Dems! We have combined to form a group for strategic purposes. Still Independent Mr Curtis.”

Ah. He hasn’t “joined them.” He’s just “combined” to “form a group” for “strategic purposes.” What was that meaning again? “Affiliated with or loyal to no political party or organization.” So I guess the question is whether or not: “forming a group for strategic purposes” is or isn’t an affiliation. Cllr Archer says not. Glad we got all that cleared up then.