Martin Bell and Peter Thirlwall, together in Birmingham recently.
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I have had a 'ringside seat' from which to observe the decline in basic standards of politics in Rotherham and I am now, like many, convinced that most of our problems can be laid firmly at the door of the Labour Party.I was briefly encouraged by the increasing size of the opposition on RMBC, but my disappointment at their failure to hold the ruling Labour Group properly to account has been very great indeed and I am now convinced that they suffer from similar internal issues to labour which ensure that narrow party interests always get in the way of Rotherham's peoples best interests. Patronage is like a cancer, subverting the political decision making process and corrupting it.
It is time for a fresh start here in Rotherham.
This is why I have signed up to the principles below and together with my colleagues in the Rotherham Independents Campaign are offering a fresh start and offer hope for our future. I challenge all election candidates in Rotherham this year to publicly declare their support for them, whatever their political affiliation.
Peter Thirlwall, PPC Rotherham
If you would like to know more, or you would like to join with us please email us here
The Bell Principles build upon Lord Nolan's Principles of 1995.
We will
- abide wholeheartedly by the spirit and letter of the Seven Principles of Public Life set out by Lord Nolan in 1995: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
- be guided by considered evidence, our real world experience and expertise, our constituencies and our consciences
- be free of control of any political party, pressure group or whip
- be non-discriminatory, ethical and committed to pluralism
- make decisions transparently and openly at every stage and level of the political process, enabling people to see how decisions are made and the evidence on which they are based
- listen, consulting our communities constantly and innovatively treat political opponents with courtesy and respect, challenging them when we believe they are wrong, and agreeing with them when we believe they are right
- resist abuses of power and patronage and promote democracy at every level
- work with other elected independents as a group with a chosen spokesperson
- claim expenses, salaries and compensation openly so the public can judge the value for money of our activities
The Seven Principles of Public Life
The Rotherham Independents Campaign believe that 'Seven Principles of Public Life' should apply to all in the public service. These are:
Selflessness
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
Integrity
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Objectivity
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
Honesty
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
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