Rotherham Independent Candidates Adopt Core Principles

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We have watched with increasing concern over many years at the decline in basic standards of behaviour and partisan practices both here in Rotherham and at Westminster.

The people of Rotherham have been badly let down by their politicians, who are motivated largely by their own greed and narrow party interests. Rotherham's people deserve better!

We offer a fresh approach to traditional politics, one based on the highest standards of conduct and above all to take every issue on it's merits and base decisions on evidence rather than, as now, mere political prejudice. 

We do not claim to be perfect but we solemnly give our pledge to you that we will do our very best on behalf of you all.

We reproduce below the principles we are all committed  to uphold. 

The Bell Principles build upon Lord Nolan's Principles of 1995.
We will

• abide wholeheartedly by the spirit and letter of the Seven Principles of Public Life set out by Lord Nolan in 1995: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
• be guided by considered evidence, our real world experience and expertise, our constituencies and our consciences
• be free of control of any political party, pressure group or whip
• be non-discriminatory, ethical and committed to pluralism
• make decisions transparently and openly at every stage and level of the political process, enabling people to see how decisions are made and the evidence on which they are based
• listen, consulting our communities constantly and innovatively treat political opponents with courtesy and respect, challenging them when we believe they are wrong, and agreeing with them when we believe they are right
• resist abuses of power and patronage and promote democracy at every level
• work with other elected independents as a group with a chosen spokesperson
• claim expenses, salaries and compensation openly so the public can judge the value for money of our activities

The Seven Principles of Public Life (Lord Nolan's 1995 Principles)

Rotherham Independents believe that the 'Seven Principles of Public Life' should apply to all in the public service. These are:

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Selflessness
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.

Integrity
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability
 Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty 
 Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

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