Independents

Councillors with no ties to political parties are a growing force in the make-up of Angus Council.

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 May 4.

In Carnoustie two of the three seats were won by Independents in the 2012 elections and then a third Independent won the by-election that followed the death of long-serving SNP member Helen Oswald.

David Cheape, who won the by-election in December, said he was being supported by a team of 28 volunteers who have helped deliver leaflets in the ward.

“Having that number of volunteers is phenomenal bearing in mind that I have no allegiance to a political party,” 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 said that he did find it hard competing against fellow Independent Brian Boyd, who has been a friend for more than 30 years.

“Brian and I don’t agree on everything. Bill Bowles and I don’t agree on everything. I have said at the outset we can’t be seen to be campaigning together because we are not the Carnoustie Independent Party.”

Brian Boyd, said he planned to canvas support on the town’s High Street at the weekends and also Monday, which is a busy day in the town due to pensions being available.

He 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.”

As well as leafleting, Bill Bowles has paid for banners which have gone up in Monikie and Carnoustie and also a van to have a vinyl sticker on it asking people to vote for him.

“It’s a case of trying to heighten my awareness,” he said.

“The digital side is becoming more and more prevalent as well, trying to get likes and shares, but that doesn’t cover everybody.

“In terms of the other Independent candidates, we are all individuals and we’ve got to fight out own corner first.

“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.”