The_People's_Independent_Party
The People's Independent Party
English political party
The People's Independent Party (PIP) is a political party based in Castle Point, England. Formed in 2021[1] by independent councillor Steven Cole and registered in 2023,[2] PIP sought to prevent a Local Plan to build 5,000 homes in the borough, mostly on Green Belt, by taking control of the council from the ruling Conservatives.[3] The party also focuses on expanding activities for children and pushing for consultation on streetlights being turned back on between 1am and 5am. At formation, the party was joined by four councillors (including Cole), all originally elected as independents. Cllr Warren Gibson, Cllr Steve Mountford and Cllr Russ Savage.
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Following the results of the 2022 election, the PIP gained six seats to take its tally to 10 councillors, ending over 20 years of Conservative control of Castle Point Borough Council.[4] A new joint administration was formed between the PIP and the Canvey Island Independent Party, with Steven Cole becoming Deputy Leader of the council.[5][6]
In February 2023 Steven Cole stood down as party leader citing family issue , and Warren Gibson was voted in as leader of PIP and Deputy Leader of the council. In the 2023 election, the People's Independent Party gained a further 7 seats[7] bringing their total up to 16 seats, all of which were taken from the Conservatives. There is 1 remaining seat in the St James' Ward that is Conservative-held, despite losing 21.3% of votes.[8] Current projects include preventing a development in Hadleigh.[9]