THERE is a new leader of the borough's independent councillors.

Cllr Paul Harvey, who represents the Norden ward, took over as leader of the Basingstoke and Deane Independent Group (BDI) for 2021.

The group decides on a new leader every year, after forming in the aftermath of the 2019 general election.

Cllr Ian Tilbury, who was appointed group leader a year ago, is now serving as Cllr Harvey's deputy.

Speaking to The Gazette, Cllr Harvey said: "We began at Christmas 2019 and it is a changeover at the end of the year.

"I was willing to step up and the group were willing to let me do it.

"Every year we will have our annual meetings as a group and we will see where we are. It is a group of independents which means we can switch like that."

Cllr Harvey was the leader of the borough council's Labour group until the 2019 election, when he and a number of other councillors left to form their own independent group.

He has led the group previously through local elections, and stood as Labour candidate for MP in 2015.

The news comes just months before all councillors across Basingstoke and Deane face re-election.

The borough council normally elects councillors in thirds, every four years, but because of boundary changes and a reduction in the number of councillors from 60 to 54, those not standing down will face re-election in May.

Speaking about how the group will work in its first election cycle, Cllr Harvey said: "It will work like anybody else. We will ask the residents to support us as independent councillors.

"It is the work we do as independent councillors that matters most. It is that sense of connection we have with our communities.

"We aren't tied to any political parties and aren't interested in any games that go on."

Cllr Harvey added that he is also looking for candidates to stand under the BDI banner in the wards they currently don't represent.

Following the sad death of Cllr Anne Court last year, there are currently 59 standing councillors on BDBC.

The ruling Conservative administration holds 28 seats. They became a minority administration in autumn 2019 after losing a by-election in Bramley and Sherfield.

Labour are the second largest party, holding 13 seats. The independent forum, made up of the BDIs and the one independent councillor, hold 11 seats, with the Liberal Democrats holding seven.