Hidden in the euphoria of a Tory Parliamentary landslide and the consequential political fallout was Bromsgrove’s own ‘tectonic’ shift to Independent representation in the District Council.

With the election of Independent Rachel Jenkins (Hagley East) to the District Council to go with her current position as Independent Clent Hills County councillor and my (Steve Colella Independent) Selection makes Hagley free from any political interference for the first time in its political history.

For the first time ever some two thirds of voters chose non political affiliated candidates in Hagley where people had bought into the message that however you vote in the Parliamentary election they should leave their political affiliation behind when choosing who they want to represent them on local issues. It was never about the politics but about the person.

To add to Hagley’s achievement was Barnt Green’s own Independent Charlie Hotham.

Barnt Green was also known to be a Tory safe seat and suffered the same reversal as in Hagley.

Along With three from Wythall we have tripled our proportion of the council. We stand now to give these communities in Bromsgrove a greater say in district matters.

Steve Colella Hagley