26/09/2026
THE RESULTS ARE IN… A LOCAL INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE IS A REAL CONTENDER
Some of you may know that I just stood as a candidate for our Ware Town Council by-election. I stood as an Independent candidate – I had no political party behind me.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED FOR ME – YOUR VOTE REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE. HERE’S THE STORY OF HOW I ENDED UP STANDING…
I stood because I love where we live and although I am already involved in a number of community and voluntary activities, I felt being on the Town Council and having a bit more influence would be something I could and should do.
I have been thinking about doing this for a few years, yet have struggled to decide which party I could align with. I know none will be a perfect match. When we returned from holiday this summer I spotted in a local Town Council newsletter that there was a by-election because a councillor had stepped down. They were encouraging people to stand with a clear encouragement that you don’t need a background in politics, just to care about Ware. And a note that you can stand as an Independent.
RIGHT, I THOUGHT, I WILL DO IT. I CARE ABOUT WARE AND I CAN BE AN INDEPENDENT.
So with just six weeks to the election day I started to find out what the process is for standing and garnering support.
I have had an amazing month getting out and meeting people, finding out what people care about, what issues they are concerned about and why they love Ware. I have had some really interesting conversations, and found support from across political leanings.
Of 2995 people eligible to vote in Christchurch ward, 599 voted – that’s 20%
Six candidates stood, five with a political party (and emblem on the ballot).
In the end the Greens won – well done to George.
BUT I GOT ONE SIXTH OF THE VOTE (MY FAIR SHARE YOU COULD SAY!!)
AHEAD OF LABOUR AND THE LIB DEMS AND NIPPING AT THE HEELS OF REFORM AND THE CONSERVATIVES.
At the count I had agents from other parties congratulating me on such an ‘amazing’ result.
Of course I went in to win, and am disappointed I didn’t. But I think I have proved you can stand and be a contender, I will stand again in May. I hope others who ‘care about Ware’ but can’t align themselves with any of the current parties won’t let that stop them serving their community and will stand as Independents.
I don’t go on Facebook much, so am relying on friends and followers who do to help me share.
I want to send thanks to everyone who voted for me – your vote really did count – you voted for independent local politics and positive campaigning, and so much more.
I will check my Facebook messenger if anyone wants to get in contact and DM me. And I’ve some people on hand to get me on the socials…
THANK YOU 😊
Marina
