On the 22nd of April 2022, Cllrs Nick Begy, Gordon Brown, and June Fox all resigned from the Conservative party, simultaneously removing the Conservative majority from the Council and creating a stir within Rutland.

Find out more about the split here.

Since then, the trio, along with Cllr Paul Ainslie who left the Conservative party at the end of last year, have set up their own political party, Together4Rutland. 

The group have released a statement consolidating their aims and objectives.

They begin by stating that they aim: "To work together with the Elected Members and Officers of Rutland County Council to deliver quality, efficient services for the residents of the County. Regardless of the rosette's colour, we want to ensure the best outcomes for the whole County, making sure we have the best people in the right roles to deliver a better future.

"Politics has become too prevalent with the council, and we are losing sight of what is important – the residents of Rutland. We cannot guarantee we can make every resident happy, but we can assure you we will be doing our best to work for the best future for our wonderful County.

"To achieve this goal, we have set some key objectives. We need clear focus, as we cannot achieve everything at once."

These key objectives are:

New homes: "Sustainable locations, 30% affordable, 80% three bedrooms or less – the right homes in the right places. With the withdrawal of the local plan, we are in a challenging position, and we have lost a lot of control, but we will work to help deliver a new Local Plan that will secure the future of our residents."

Medical facilities: "Implement Primary Care Task and Finish Group recommendations, seek detailed plans for Rutland Memorial Hospital and work with the Health and Wellbeing Board to improve the patient experience at our local GP practices. Upgrade facilities at Empingham and Stamford. We are concerned that the change in the Scrutiny Committee structure will result in slower progress, but we will push for action now."

Speeding in villages: "Seek revision of Highways and Transport Working Group terms of reference to involve non-cabinet member(s) and implement a 'Rutland Speedwatch'. It is a serious issue across our County, and it is now time for less rhetoric and promises but action."

Government funding: "Pressurise Cabinet and MP to act on funding. Work to deliver the required cost savings for 2023/24. Rutland has one of the highest council taxes in the country, and there is still pressure on services. RCC is incredibly efficient despite our small size but is being let down by a lack of central government funding such that Rutland and many rural communities are suffering."

Better and more regular engagement with residents (and members): "We need to listen more and be clearer on what we are doing as a council. Dialogue is two way. We can't always give you the answers you want, but we can be more transparent about why these decisions are made. RCC is too much like a black box, and with more clarity, we can show residents that we are all working for a better future."

Oakham Town centre improvements: "It is now time for our County town to shine once more. There are funds available, but simply there is no plan in place to make this happen. We as a group will push for improvements and look for all parties to work together for a better Oakham. Uppingham is a shining light of what is possible."

The group concluded: "We also hear your concerns about fuel poverty and the cost-of-living crisis. We must ensure arrangements are in place no later than this autumn to support and safeguard those suffering most from the cost of living pressures due to rising utility costs.

"Now is not the time to be involved in political squabbles and is the reason why we have stepped away from a central political based alliance and will look to work with all groups for a brighter future for Rutland."

To find out more about the group, you can visit their Facebook page. Alternatively, you can find the contact details for each Councillor on the Rutland County Council 'Your Councillors' page. 

Will this impact the way you vote in future elections?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] to share your 'Oakham opinion'.