WILTSHIRE Council have published the formal Statement of Persons Nominated notices that lists all the candidates standing for election for the unitary Wiltshire Council and local town council elections.
Campaigning is underway across the county now with the candidates busy canvassing for your support, but controversy has already erupted.
Violette Simpson, the Reform UK candidate for Calne Central, has been criticised for describing herself as an "Independent" on the ballot paper for Calne Town Council, despite being a member of Reform UK.
John Boaler, Chairman of Calne Labour Party has spoken out against Simpson's decision, calling it "blatantly dishonest." Mr Boaler argued that some voters may assume Simpson is truly independent, rather than being affiliated with a specific political party.
He commented: "Violette is a member of Reform UK and is campaigning for Reform UK. Yet she has chosen to describe herself as ‘Independent’ on the ballot paper for Calne Town Council. Some voters will not make the connection and assume she is truly ‘independent’ ie non-aligned.
Violette Simpson has responded to the criticism, explaining that she is standing as an Independent for the town council because local issues should not be about party politics. She told us: "I’m standing with Reform for the Wiltshire Council elections as at that level, aligning to and having the backing of a wider political group helps advocate, influence and drive change to get results for our area, allowing Calne Central to have a seat at the table where big decisions are made.
"As for town council, I am standing as an independent because local issues shouldn’t be about party politics – it’s about listening to locals, working collaboratively with the community and making decisions based on what is best for the town – without outside influences. That said, you are voting for me and the principles I stand for to build a strong healthy community that tackles real issues and a safer more prosperous future."
However, John Boaler has called on Simpson to "own up" to being a member of Reform UK and to change her description on the ballot paper to reflect her true affiliation. The Chairman argued that if Simpson has any integrity, she will make the change.
Fellow Reform candidate Augusta Urquhart-Nicholls has spoken out in support for Violette, she told us: "I think Violette's decision to stand as an independent on Calne Town Council, free from the constraints of party politics, shows remarkable integrity and a deep desire to achieve the best for our community without external influence.
"Violette is a stellar candidate and brings a refreshing authenticity to the table. I fully support Violette in her mission to secure a better future for Calne as an Independent Town Councillor."
Candidates for Unitary Wiltshire Councillor
For Calne Central: Bobby Seymour (Conservative), Violette Simpson (Reform), Celia Stevens (Labour) , Ian Thorn (Lib Dem).
For Calne Chilvester & Abberd: John Boaler (Labour), Robert MacNaughton (Lib Dem), Sarah-Jayne Puntis (Conservative), Augusta Urquhart-Nicholls (Reform).
For Calne North: Jon Fisher (Labour), James Green (Lib Dem), Tom Rounds (Conservative), Mike Sankey (Reform).
For Calne Rural: John Barnes ( Labour). Paul Logan (Reform), Ashley O'Neill (Conservative), Steve Townsend (Lib Dem).
For Calne South: Tara Fisher (Labour), Rose Hoskins (Conservative), Sam Pearce-Kearney (Lib Dem), Siggy Wilberg (Reform).
Candidates for Calne Town Councillor
For Calne Central: Aitch King (Lib Dem). Robert MacNaughton (Lib Dem), Jeremy Percy (Lib Dem), Bobby Seymour (Conservative), Violette Simpson (Independent), Celia Stevens (Labour), Ian Thorn (Lib Dem).
For Calne Chilvester & Abberd: Jackie Beckett, John Boaler (Labour), Stephen Boone, Tim Havenith (Lib Dem), Orrey Pike (Conservative), Jess Staples-Preston (Labour), Augusta Urquhart-Nicholls (Reform),
For Calne North: Jon Fisher (Labour), Eugène Gooch (Lib Dem), James Green (Lib Dem), Tom Rounds (Conservative), Mike Sankey (Reform), Taylor Wright (Lib Dem).
For Calne South: Declan Boore (Lib Dem), Tara Fisher (Labour), Sam Pearce-Kearney (Lib Dem) - Calne South has 4 seats, so these councillors are automatically elected by default and 1 seat will be co-opted. There will be no election for Calne South on 1st May.
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