Marianne Overton

Find out what it means to be an Independent Councillor

At a time when some residents are unhappy with the way they are being represented at town and parish or Isle of Wight council level, later this month there’ll be an opportunity to find out more about becoming an Independent councillor.

Become a councillor
Hosted by the Island Independent Network, this event being held at the Riverside Centre on 28th September will ask the following questions:

  • What issues matter to you?
  • What are the local issues in your area?
  • What are people around you bothered about?
  • What would you do about them?

Guest speaker
Marianne Overton MBE (pictured), Leader of the Independent Group LGA and also Leader of the Independent Network nationally, will be taking part as a guest speaker.

Read more about Marianne’s extensive involvement in local government, for which she was awarded and MBE in 2014.

What it is to be Independent
The meeting plans to be interactive and organisers will also be talking about what it is to be Independent and how to become a councillor, either at Town and Parish or Isle of Wight council level.

“The Isle of Wight needs more Independents to speak up for local people: there is strength in numbers, so join the network!”

Where and when
The event takes place at the Riverside Centre, Newport Quay on Friday 28th September between 7pm and 9pm.

There’ll be a welcome drink and light refreshments provided, as well as an opportunity to network with others.

Pre-event screening
Prior to the event, there’ll be a screening of the recently-acclaimed film, Crisis or Awakening (at 6pm, same location).

Created by Ventnor resident, Sam Schroeder, this film explores mental health and mental health services on the Isle of Wight.


Our thanks to Island Independent Network for sponsoring this feature. They and other organisations taking paid promotion enables you to continue reading OnTheWight for free

Image: © The Lincolnite