Britain's newest political party born in Herefordshire

Britain's newest political party has been born in Herefordshire.

The It's Our County party was launched just in time for a by-election and has been officially registered with the Electoral Commission.

Councillors Marcelle Lloyd Hayes and Gerald Dawe have joined forces with It's Our City campaigners Mark Hubbard and Julie Woodward in a new grouping committed to returning democracy to Herefordshire, and to creating development plans that are in sympathy with the character of the county.

It's Our County party leader Mark Hubbard said: "So many people are fed up of this incompetent and thoughtless council, and of the lacklustre opposition, that we are confident of major gains from both old parties and so-called Independents.

"With 13,000 signatures on the It's Our City petition alone, and with 60 percent not even voting last time, we are excited by the chance to offer real and sustained change through a new party dedicated to finding local solutions to local challenges.

"The national parties are simply not delivering for Herefordshire and we know local people are ready to take our county back from the party politicians."

Following the death of It's Our County St Nicholas Ward Councillor Dave Benjamin, Hereford Liberal Democrats have called a by-election, despite there being only eight months until the next council elections in May 2011.

IOC Leader Mark Hubbard said: "We are very disappointed that the Lib Dems see fit to waste thousands of pounds of local taxpayers money on this election when the next compulsory election is only eight months away and the ward already has an excellent Councillor in Julie Woodward.

"However, now that they have called the election, we intend building on the hard work of the late Dave Benjamin to keep this seat out of the hands of the party politicians. Herefordshire needs a resounding win for Justin Lavender, the It's Our County candidate."

Joining the St NIcholas by-election campaign, former Hereford City Mayor Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes said: "I left the Lib Dems frustrated at the lack of a vibrant opposition to the Tories on Herefordshire Council.

"Since then I have worked with Councillor Dawe to campaign for greater accountability and democracy, and so it makes sense for us now to join with others to form a new local party for local people. I am very excited by the potential of It's Our County to re-engage voters with local decision making.”

Green Party Councillor Gerald Dawe is also joining the IOC group on the council.

He said: “I remain a member of the Green Party but am delighted to join the IOC voting group on the council, continuing the work I have done along with Councillor Lloyd-Hayes to challenge the secretive processes of this council.

"I am pleased to offer Green Party support to It's Our County in order to bring about more appropriate and sustainable development plans for Herefordshire."

It's Our County has published a statement of belief on www.itsourcounty.org, highlighting key values of accountability and democracy, and committing the party to working for better development plans which 'protect local business and the unique character of the county'.