Yes, we are a minor political party (but not a major one like national parties). However, we are united by our approach and how we work rather than by an ideology or positions on national issues. We have a broad range of political views and vote for a range of national political parties in Somerset Council and general elections.

In addition we are different in the following ways:

• Our selection process focuses on commitment to Frome, the councillor role, and independence of thought - not ideology.

• We actively seek candidates with diverse views, skills, and experiences to strengthen our decision-making.

• IfF has no party discipline or whip. Councillors regularly disagree and vote differently on major decisions.

• However, we work to build consensus and focus on collaborative, solution-focused decision-making rather than opposition for its own sake.

• All our decisions are guided exclusively by what's best for Frome. 

No - being fully independent benefits Frome. We work with anyone and avoid party politics that can slow down decisions. We maintain strong relationships with all Somerset councillors. It's an advantage that we can work effectively with whoever runs Somerset Unitary Council, regardless of which party is in power. 

It also keeps national issues and party politics out of our local decision-making. We're motivated solely by what's best for Frome - not what might benefit a political party or another council.

Anyone can apply to be a councillor with Independence for Frome. IfF welcomes fresh voices, diverse perspectives, and a range of lived experiences. Our selection process is simple, transparent, and inclusive.

For by‑elections and co-options:

1. An initial conversation to explain the role and answer questions.

2. A short application (written or video) covering motivation, independence, and local priorities.

3. An informal interview with a small panel of councillors.

Our selection process for main elections changes each time - stay tuned!

No. All Frome Town Councillors were elected democratically. While Independents for Frome ran almost unopposed in 2022 (one ward was contested), that wasn't by choice - we wanted to contest an election. In 2015 and 2019, when all our candidates were challenged, all 17 were elected. This is what Frome chose.

If residents want something different, they can stand, campaign, and vote for other candidates. That's how local democracy works, and we'd respect that outcome.

But democracy doesn't begin and end with voting every four years. We've worked hard to open up decision-making beyond the ballot box, so residents can shape decisions as they're made - not just after they've happened.

We have:

• Simplified and opened up council meetings to encouraged public participation.

• Invested in new ways for residents to engage, including a new digital participation platform.

• Expanded consultation, co-design, and participatory projects, particularly with young people.

• Committed to further democratic innovation, including plans for a citizens' assembly.

Accountability doesn't only come from party opposition. Highly adversarial systems - like Westminster - often fail to produce good decisions or meaningful accountability.

Independents for Frome councillors regularly disagree, debate openly, and vote differently on major decisions. There's no party whip, and no incentive to oppose something for political point-scoring. Decisions are tested through discussion, scrutiny, and evidence - not tribal loyalty.

Our group is also more diverse than most town councils. Our councillors range in age from 24 to 76 years old, we recently gained a female majority (still rare in local government), and have a wide range of backgrounds, skills, and lived experience. That diversity creates challenge, debate, and accountability from within.

We believe Frome is best served by a solution-focused, collaborative approach that seeks consensus, welcomes challenge, and keeps residents involved - not by recreating the confrontational party politics many find frustrating at a national level.

Ultimately, Frome will decide if this works. So far, it has.

Independents for Frome is funded by small personal donations. We don’t have the large budgets or volunteer base of national political parties, so much of our campaigning is done by the councillors and supporters themselves. This keeps us independent and focused on Frome rather than on fundraising.

No. Independents for Frome aren’t aligned to any national political party, including the Greens. Our councillors have a wide range of political views and vote for different parties in county and national elections. What unites us isn’t ideology — it’s a shared commitment to Frome.

That said, sustainability has always been at the heart of Independents for Frome. We deeply committed to a healthy, sustainable Frome, because that’s what makes the town a better place to live, now and for the future.