The five Independent councillors in Torfaen who make up the Independent Group have said they “will not align with any party line”.
They released a statement on social media yesterday afternoon, hours after three Llantarnam councillors who stood as Independent Individuals announced they had joined Reform UK- becoming the party’s first councillors in Wales.
The Independent Group is made up of:
- Cllr Catherine Bonera- St Dials Ward
- Cllr Elizabeth Haynes- St Dials Ward
- Cllr Giles Davies- Abersychan Ward
- Cllr Chris Tew- Abersychan Ward
- Cllr Mark Jones- Pontypool Fawr Ward
They posted this statement on Facebook after saying they had received queries ‘from residents on our stance’ [as Independents] after news of Cllr Jason O’Connell, Alan Slade and David Thomas switch to Reform UK broke.
“In light of recent political developments, The Independent Group has received numerous enquiries from residents seeking clarity on our stance. We want to assure our community that our Group Councillors remain steadfast in their commitment to independence and will not align with any party line.
“Our primary focus is, and always will be, the needs and concerns of the people we represent. We understand that political landscapes can shift rapidly, but our dedication to serving our residents will not waver.
“We believe that people should always come before party politics, Our mission is to advocate for our community’s best interests, free from the constraints of partisan agendas.
“Together, we can continue to build a community that priorities the voices of its constituents above all else.”
Torfaen Council also has a group of Independents called the Torfaen Independent Group. Its three members are:
- Cllr Ron Burnett- Two Locks Ward
- Cllr Nick Horler- Blaenavon Ward
- Cllr Janes Jones- Blaenavon Ward
Labour remains in control of Torfaen Council with 29 councillors.