An independent candidate who stood in this month’s General Election says he will continue his campaign to change the system of local government in Thanet.
Grahame Birchall polled 563 votes, putting him ahead of two other Independent candidates vying for the East Thanet seat, on July 4.
The former Yorkshire Regiment and Royal Engineers serviceman says Thanet needs a ‘Metro Mayor’ that residents can vote for and hold to account.
Grahame has put out a short video message thanking voters for their support of him and his campaign for Government Reform In Thanet (GRIT).
In his message, Grahame says he will launch a Mayoral Petition in the autumn and appealed to supporters for assistance in collecting the 5000 signatures necessary to force a local referendum on changing the system of government here in Thanet.
He referred to Keir Starmer’s statement on the steps of No 10 in which he said his party’s victory was the “beginning of national renewal” which is “unburdened by political ideology”.
Grahame said: “This is precisely what I want for Thanet. This is not just the start of renewal in the nation, but also “the start of local renewal here in Thanet, which will put community interests first, well ahead of party political ideals and spats.”
Grahame says he has several people who are committed to helping, but obviously “more hands make like work”.
He added: “I will also be holding non-party political meetings around Thanet to help spread the message.
“There is no point forcing a local referendum, unless you are confident you can win it.”
Details of his campaign aims can be seen at www.grit.how
Thanet council moved to a Leader and Cabinet model of governance in the early part of 2002. It says this model allows for efficient and effective decision making in a medium sized district council.
Much of England has two tiers of local government – county councils and district councils – with responsibility for services split between the two. Other areas have a single unitary authority responsible for all local services. There are then grassroots parish and town councils.
Thanet will have 14 fewer district councillors from 2027 following a decision by the Local Government Boundary Commission.
A new pattern of wards is being developed for Thanet following agreement that council seats should reduce from 56 to 42.
The Commission is reviewing Thanet to make sure councillors each represent about the same number of electors, and that ward arrangements help the council work effectively.
