Linslade and Toddington councillors quit Independent group on Central Bedfordshire Council

A "difference of approach" has led to two Central Bedfordshire councillors opting out of a network of Independent councillors.
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Linslade councillor Victoria Harvey and fellow Independent Silvia Collins (Toddington) plan to go it alone from now on.

Signs of unease among the local authority’s Independent councillors first emerged at a full council meeting, during which Cllr Harvey clashed with colleagues over a CBC plan to plant more trees and expand woodland.

“We have both left the Independent network of councillors at the end of last month,” said councillor Harvey, whose intentions were never to join a political group.

Linslade councillor Victoria Harvey (left) and Toddington councillor Silvia Collins (right)Linslade councillor Victoria Harvey (left) and Toddington councillor Silvia Collins (right)
Linslade councillor Victoria Harvey (left) and Toddington councillor Silvia Collins (right)

“I believe in working constructively with people across all political parties.

“I don’t believe in attacking the Tories all the time. I am a true independent and made it clear I didn’t join a political party.

“My approach is to work across the board, not just attack the ruling group,” she added.

“The main reasons behind my election campaign were to protect the (Leighton Linslade) town centre and the local market, as well as climate change.

“I was made to feel I shouldn’t just focus on these issues.”

Councillor Harvey publicly praised the council’s response over its tree planting investment, despite fellow Independents protesting about a lack of visible progress on climate change measures.

She explained that other Independent councillors felt CBC’s initiative to spend more than £1.6m of new homes bonus funds on planting trees and hedgerows “would be enough money to cover everything else”.

“The council could do more on climate change,” she acknowledged. “But it’s better to support something good.

“I want to lobby people to get positive things to happen, not just attack the administration.

“Scrutinise in asking questions by all means, but sometimes you can get more to happen by a measured approach.”

Her stance means she has been removed from representing the Independent group on the council’s development management committee, a position she hopes to get back eventually.

Independent Biggleswade South councillor Hayley Whitaker has replaced her on the committee.

Councillor Collins said in an email she doesn’t have much to say about the Independent network.

“I feel better able to focus on and serve the needs of my residents and those in Central Bedfordshire more generally by being an independent Independent,” she explained.

Independent group leader and Potton councillor Adam Zerny said: “In 2019, 13 Independents were elected on to Central Bedfordshire Council.

“I have no doubt at all that this number will increase in 2023 and would urge anyone interested in becoming an Independent councillor to get in touch with me.”