Former Conservative Councillor Chooses Independent Path in Upcoming Elections
Councillor James Hunt, the independent representative for Blackfen & Lamorbey in Bexley, has announced he will stand as an independent candidate in the upcoming May council elections, despite having joined Reform UK as a party member. This decision comes after what he describes as a "horrible year" that included being cleared of sexual assault charges last month.
Breaking from Party Politics
Hunt, who was a Conservative Party member for over two decades before leaving last year, said he feels "fed up" with party politics at the local level. "I've been talking to lots of people and they are fed up with politics," Hunt explained. "Local residents are sick to death of being lied to. They don't want party politics. National politics means nothing locally."
The councillor emphasized that his departure from the Conservatives stemmed from feeling the party had "lost its way" both in Parliament and locally in Bexley. He also felt constrained by party discipline, unable to speak against administration proposals he disagreed with.
Independent Voice for Local Concerns
Despite maintaining Reform UK membership and expressing support for the party nationally and in Bexley, Hunt believes he can accomplish more for his community without party affiliation. "I want to get the dog poo cleaned up and the wheelie bins emptied," he stated bluntly, highlighting his focus on practical local issues rather than ideological battles.
"If they have a problem, they can come to me and I will absolutely do my best [to solve it]," Hunt said of his constituents. "I couldn't care less if they are Labour voters, Green Party voters, Reform voters, BNP - I don't give a crap. I will just do what needs to be done."
Policy Priorities and Community Commitment
Hunt outlined several key priorities for Bexley if re-elected:
- Increasing activities and projects for young people in the borough
- Boosting spending to maintain and improve local roads
- Supporting more social housing development
"We need places for people to get a step on the ladder," Hunt said regarding housing. "Affordable and buy to rent schemes don't do that because they are too expensive. We're pushing people out, people that have lived here all their lives."
Support and Future Plans
The councillor reported receiving support from both former and current council members for his decision to run without party affiliation. He noted that the local Reform UK branch has been "quite chill" about his independent candidacy.
Regardless of the election outcome, Hunt has promised to continue community work in Bexley. "I'm not going anywhere. This is my home. I've lived here all my life," he affirmed, demonstrating his long-term commitment to the area despite the political uncertainties ahead.
