Five Lancaster city councillors from Morecambe form alliance 'not influenced by political dogma'

The group's deputy leader Coun Merv Evans, who represents Westgate, was expelled from the Morecambe Bay Independents (MBI) Group last week.

Bare Ward Coun Tony Anderson, Coun Roger Cleet, who represents Heysham North, and Coun Debbie Jenkins, who represents Poulton, also recently left the MBIs.

They join Coun Darren Clifford, who represents Harbour Ward and Coun Evans in forming the new group.

Coun Clifford, who is the group's leader, and formerly of the Labour Party, said: "All too often politics is used to divide people, we want it to be the vehicle to bring people together.

"We will work with anybody of any political persuasion and none who has the best interests of Morecambe, Lancaster, Carnforth and the wider district at heart, so long as it’s done with honesty, integrity and openness.

"We will be an independent voice for an ambitious future for our district."

Coun Evans has been contacted for comment on why he was expelled from the MBI group.

Tricia Health, leader of the MBI group, said: "It is with regret that the group felt it had to expel Merv.

"This was done by request of a majority of members but the reasons are private and confidential as far as the group are concerned."

In a press statement regarding the new group, Coun Evans, who is also a Morecambe Town Councillor, said: "We will be working as independents for the communities that elected us.

"Given the way the rules are stacked we realised that the power of working together as a team can bring about positive change for the communities we have the honour of representing.

"We may have different and independent views but all have a common goal."

The group says it intends to set aside political infighting and deal with local issues with a more holistic and positive approach.

Coun Clifford said it had been spurred on by the "fantastic cross party cooperation and coordination" developed during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He praised the leadership of Lancaster City Council, both officers and political, in its response to the pandemic as "magnificent".

He said the councillors in the new group want to work together in a more moderate, transparent and efficient way for the good of everyone in Lancaster and Morecambe.

The group said they were compelled to form due to a national rule which excludes independent councillors from being able to take part in discussions and decisions at committees and so have decided to work together so residents have what they call “a voice on council not influenced by political dogma”.

It will not have a whip so will continue to vote independently.