Encouraged by independence

I am writing in response to Shirley Haywood’s excellent letter published in your paper last week.

I would like to say that I am very impressed with a former Conservative having the courage to stand as an Independent, breaking away from the Tory whip.

Having served over 12 years at parish council and over six years at district, she must have amassed a huge amount of knowledge and experience of how the Tories have dominated county, district and parish councils. I am sure, if she is elected as an Independent, she will use this knowledge in a positive way to benefit her local community.

As an Independent councillor in Bognor Regis myself, I feel encouraged by her action and independence of thought. Her refusal to accept a Tory policy at parish, district and county level can only be a good thing.