‘MY LOYALTY IS TO RESIDENTS, NOT POLITICAL PARTIES’
Following the election of the new administration at East Sussex County Council, a number of residents have asked Councillor Stephen Shing why he supported Councillor Andy Woolley in the vote for Council Leader.
Councillor Shing said:
“As an Independent councillor, my responsibility is to the residents who elected me, not to any political party. My decision was based solely on what I believe will allow me to represent local people most effectively and achieve the best outcomes for East Sussex.
Prior to the leadership vote, I held discussions with Councillor Woolley regarding how Independent councillors could contribute to the work of the Council. Those discussions were constructive and focused on practical issues affecting residents and on ensuring the most effective use of the Council’s resources.
An important consideration was committee representation. The initial committee allocation proposed for Independent councillors was a place on the Regulatory Committee, which meets infrequently, and the Pension Committee, which primarily deals with pension fund investments.
While both committees perform important functions, they provide limited opportunities to address the day-to day concerns raised by residents.
Following those discussions, Councillor Woolley agreed to support my appointment to the Place Scrutiny Committee and the People Scrutiny Committee. These committees play a vital role in scrutinising services that directly affect local communities, including highways, transport, planning, social care, health services, children’s services and other issues that matter most to residents.
Membership of these committees provides a far stronger platform from which I can represent my constituents, scrutinise council decisions and hold the administration to account on behalf of local people.
I would also note that neither the Liberal Democrat nor Green groups approached me regarding the formation of an alternative administration, nor was I invited to participate in discussions about how an Independent councillor could contribute to their proposed arrangements.
My support for Councillor Woolley was not part of any coalition agreement, political deal or commitment regarding future votes. Nor does it mean that I support Reform UK’s policies. I remain fully independent and will continue to judge every proposal on its own merits. I will support measures that benefit residents and oppose those that do not, regardless of which political party brings them forward.
For the past 21 years as an Independent County Councillor, I have worked constructively with councillors from all political backgrounds whenever doing so has benefited local people. That approach will not change.
My loyalty remains with the residents who elected me, and my priority will always be to achieve the best possible outcomes for our communities.”
