I wanted to say thank you to the 509 people who voted Independent in Braintree Town on May 6.

The vote was more than double that cast for the Lib Dems and was only 391 away from Labour, who got less than they did previously even though the turnout was slightly up on 2017. 

I campaigned on a range of issues and intend to do more to earn your trust for next time.  I know people from several different parties who have said that 509 was a good outcome at the first time of asking as an Independent. 

I congratulate Tom Cunningham on winning the seat and hope that he delivers for our town.  I was surprised that after 24 years in power that the Conservatives put potholes on so much of Tom’s literature. 

I was pleased that in the week of the poll that they recognized the Independents in this area as a political force.  I will do my best to ensure that force grows and stays positive. 

For too long there have been too many Labour and Lib Dem paper candidates in Essex.  It is their right to field candidates in every seat, but given that Greens and Independents got 27 per cent of the vote across the Braintree District it is perhaps time to highlight this practice.  

Hopefully in future we will increase the turn out, I am sorry that 73 per cent of voters stayed away. With hard work I hope to be back and to earn the trust of even more of you so that together we can reduce inequality and make Braintree even better for all. 

Colin Riches
Independent candidate for Braintree Town