DO you think you do a better job than your local councillor? If so, then why not stand as an independent candidate at the next election?

That’s the message from independent councillor and Dorchester Town Crier Alistair Chisholm, who is keen to hear from people who are fed up with the current administration.

Cllr Chisholm has joined a group called All for Dorset which aims to encourage people to stand as independent candidates.

The group allows independents to campaign together to represent their communities without a party whip.

With the new unitary Dorset Council elections taking place in May, Cllr Chisholm is keen to talk to people across the county who feel unrepresented, would listen to those they represent and who would make decisions based on facts.

Cllr Chisholm said: “Having repeatedly witnessed my district council make decisions purely on the basis of party affiliation and not in the best interests of those they claim to represent, I am more than ready for a change in local government.

“Frome, just over the county border in Somerset, has led the way and its independent- controlled town council has already demonstrated the advantages of working in a different and more democratic way. Working together with existing community groups they are able to make decisions, following sincere and meaningful consultation, based on the facts and realities shared and understood by all.

“With elected councillors free to pursue whatever cause is in the best interests of those they represent, councillors who cannot be “whipped” into blind adherence to some national party dogma, real change can be achieved.

“We have strong communities in Dorset, but that strength is too seldom reflected in our local representatives. Now is the time to elect candidates, free of party control, whose objective is to consult, share information, consider and debate in an open and transparent manner and finally make decisions in the best interests of the people they represent,” he added.

If you are interested and feel it is time for a change in local politics, get in touch at ALLforDorset@gmail.com or visit the ALLforDorset Facebook page.

Invite to meeting this week

All for Dorset will stage its first meeting later this week.

The event will take place at the Colliton Club, Dorchester on Thursday, January 24 opening at 7.30pm, and will enable people to find out more about supporting or standing in the forthcoming town and unitary elections in May.

Cllr Chisholm says he has been delighted by the positive and proactive reaction from people.

Mr Chisholm said: “At the end of the day, it is possible to do something that makes a real difference to our local communities. If ever there was a county that needs change it is Dorset - a county that has been sadly neglected at local government level. Let’s go out and do it.”

The meeting will include a talk by guest public speaker Peter Macfadyen, former independent leader and mayor of Frome Town Council in Somerset. Mr Macfadyen, who has worked in social justice for 40 years, has written the seminal book on the local democracy movement, “Flatpack Democracy.” He is a firm supporter of strong grassroots communities to reclaim local politics and deal with issues at a local level.

Mr Macfadyen said: “Democracy has long been effectively dysfunctional in this country and the impact of this is now being felt from top to bottom of our political system.

“The top end is impossible to change with the speed required, but at more local levels we can really make a difference. The emergence of All for Dorset presents a unique opportunity to remove confrontational politics and replace it with something that works.”

The meeting is open to everyone from any or no political persuasion, who is interested in making a positive contribution to communities across Dorset.