New approach to politics

A LEADING councillor is resigning to form a new political party which he says will give more power to the disillusioned people of North Somerset.Councillor David Evans is launching the 'New Approach' and says he hopes to field up to 35 candidates in the May elections.The New Approach is based on the American declaration. On the party's website it says: "We are not declaring war but we are putting up a fight because like the American congress of old we are frustrated. Frustrated by the continuing lack of change and frustrated by the lack of real choice for the residents of North Somerset who are not listened to by the currently elected members of North Somerset Council that claim to represent them." Cllr Evans held a meeting on Wednesday night as the Weston & Somerset Mercury went to press to see how much support he can raise for his new party.The Electoral Reform in London has already agreed he can use the name New Approach and if enough candidates come forward he can then officially register the name and the party's constitution.He will then write to the Liberal Democrat's headquarters in London to resign but says he doesn't need to do that until six to eight weeks before the local elections.He continued: "The people of North Somerset and Weston are disillusioned with the way district authorities are being run."There has been a distinct move with the recent Government white paper to give local authorities more power. We want to make sure this power isn't being held by political parties."I feel this is the right time to start working with the people in Weston and surrounding areas."I have been a councillor for three and a half years and although I have had support from my colleagues in the Liberal Democrats, I want to take politics out of the hands of parties and put it into the hands of local people."I have had support from other councillors but some see us as a threat.