Independents

Independent councillors are expected to have a bigger say than ever in local government in coming years, especially in Angus.

There are 15 independent candidates standing for election this year, more than any individual party.

The last council had nine independent councillors, more than any party other than the SNP, and they may hold the balance of power after Thursday.

The three Carnoustie seats are held by independents, David Cheape, Brian Boyd and Bill Bowles, who have again gone up against the might of the party machine.

David said he is being supported by a team of 28 volunteers who have helped deliver leaflets in the ward.

He said: “I think a lot of people are fed up with party politics and the independent label has a growing appreciation from the bulk of the electorate.”

He was backed in his anti-party politics stance by Bill, who said: “I was speaking to people yesterday and I was asking them to put me as number one but to definitely put Brian and David as two and three in whatever order they want on the preferential ballot.”

Brian said: “I think Carnoustie is probably unique for having all its councillors as independents. It is hard competing against the other independents but it’s boxing gloves off. None of us wants to be knocked out.”

One of the most intriguing independents is 18-year-old schoolboy Daniel Penman from Fife, who would become the youngest councillor in Scotland if he wins a Kirkcaldy Central seat.

He will have to juggle councillor duties with sitting exams then studying law at Edinburgh University if he gains enough votes.

The St Andrews High School pupil’s mother is Kirkcaldy East independent councillor Marie Penman, who is campaigning for re-election.

He said: “Petty party politics are becoming increasingly frustrating and at local government level they are ridiculous.

“Young people don’t have representation and because of that they become disengaged from politics.”