The People's Independent Party (PIP) is a localist political party based in Castle Point, England. Formed in 2021 by former Conservative councillor Steven Cole, and registered in 2022, PIP sought to prevent a local plan to build 5,000 homes in the borough, by taking control of the council from the ruling Conservatives.[1][2][3] At formation, the party had four councillors (including Cole), all (except Cole) were originally elected as independents.
The People's Independent Party | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | PIP |
| Leader | Warren Gibson |
| Founder | Steven Cole |
| Founded | 2021 |
| Registered | 18 March 2022 |
| Headquarters | 441 High Road, Essex, SS7 5AF |
| Ideology | Localism |
| Colours | Yellow-green Green |
| Castle Point Borough Council | 24 / 39
|
| Website | |
| www | |
History
editFollowing the results of the 2022 election, the PIP gained six seats to take its total 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 February 2023, Steven Cole stood down as party leader, and Warren Gibson was elected as leader of PIP and deputy leader of the council. In the 2023 election, the People's Independent Party gained a further seven seats bringing their total up to 16, all of which were taken from the Conservatives. There was one remaining seat in the St James' Ward that was Conservative-held.[7]
In the 2024 election, the party increased their vote share and gained a further eight councillors, winning a majority on the council, with the Conservatives losing all their seats. This led to Castle Point becoming the only council in England, where none of the seats are held by Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, or Greens.[8][9][10]
Policies
editThe main focus of the PIP has been re-writing the council's local plan to reduce construction and prioritise the development of brownfield sites. Other policies include freezing council tax, introducing a Community Infrastructure Levy, changing the election cycle to every four years, and spending £1.5 million to rejuvenate council owned buildings.[11]
Previously, the party campaigned on expanding activities for young people, and pushing for consultation on street lights being turned back on between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m..[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Critchell, Matthew (21 March 2021). "Castle Point: New political party to stop 5,000 home plan". Basildon, Canvey & Southend Echo. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- ^ "Registration summary". Electoral Commission. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- ^ Jackson, J.J. (30 April 2024). "Castle Point election: a battle of independents". eastangliabylines.co.uk. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
- ^ "Castle Point Borough Council: Tories lose control after nearly 20 years". BBC News. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- ^ England, Sophie (30 January 2023). "£140k scheme to revitalise playgrounds and open spaces in Castle Point". Echo. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ Berrill, Lewis (28 May 2022). "Castle Point's new council administration to scrap local plan". Basildon, Canvey & Southend Echo. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- ^ "Borough Election Results - 4th May 23". Castle Point Borough Council. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
- ^ "Castle Point result - Local Elections 2024". BBC News. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- ^ Day-Parker, Jessica (3 May 2024). "Tories wiped out at Castle Point as independents gain all seats at election". Echo. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ Poole, Cameron (3 May 2024). "'Today is history in the making' - Castle Point independents celebrate Tory wipe out". Echo. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Election Leaflet 2024". PIP Castle Point. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
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