FAQs
Are you a political party?
We are registered as a political party purely for the purposes of having the name and logo of our independent group (C4P) printed on local election ballot papers. UK elections are governed by rules that only offer two ballot paper options to local council candidates:
- being listed as ‘Independent’ or,
- being listed as a representative of a registered political party. These limited options are unhelpful for groups of independents who intend to work collaboratively together and want to communicate this intention to voters. Change for Plymouth is registered as a party so that the ballot paper reflects our shared commitment to working collaboratively to make the best decisions for Plymouth.
Our members are free to follow their own views, political or otherwise, including membership of other political parties or organisations provided that these associations don’t conflict with our values of inclusion, listening, participation, and democracy.
What does ‘independent’ mean if you also work together?
Independent means that all C4P candidates are free to vote as they choose on any Council matter. When it comes to decision-making, there is no party line to toe, no internal network of power and privilege, and no taking sides for political point-scoring. We don’t believe that party politics is helpful at a local level. C4P candidates’ actions are guided by what they feel is right for Plymouth, not what’s right for their party.
If you are all independent, why form C4P?
C4P was formed to encourage more independent candidates to stand in Plymouth, and to provide a support network for those that do. Becoming an independent candidate is a brave step and few people want to go it alone. C4P makes it easier for ordinary people to take that step by supporting candidates on their journey from first considering running for election, through to campaigning and keeping on top of admin, with fellowship and fun along the way. We believe more can be achieved together than as individuals on our own.
C4P also aims to widen the conversation about what local politics is and does, to encourage more people to get involved at every level. There are many ways to show you care about Plymouth, from litter picking to becoming a councillor – C4P are proud to participate in all forms of political action from humble to high-profile.
By widening the political conversation, C4P also listen and learn what people in Plymouth want and need. Our campaign ‘What would YOU change?’ LINK encourages everyone to think about change-making, to share their views, and maybe even move from thought to action. The views you share become the priorities that C4P will take to council if elected.
How are you financed?
We are financed by member donations ranging from £1 to £100. Candidates need campaign materials (posters, leaflets etc), so it’s important to have some money in the kitty. To raise this we ask all members of C4P to pay an annual membership of £1 minimum or £15 suggested. Larger amounts are also accepted, but we are all ordinary Plymothians and don’t have any wealthy beneficiaries!
Our accounts are recorded according to Electoral Commission rules and are made public at our AGM and after submission to the Electoral Commission following each election cycle.
How will you make decisions without a manifesto or policies?
As a new alliance of independents C4P candidates will not follow a party line or set of manifesto pledges. Instead each candidate will listen first, engage with their community, then decide on policies and priorities.
If elected, our actions and decisions will be guided by our core values and Ways of Working so that together we take sound decisions informed by the needs of our communities.