BY PETE HENSHAW

CONSERVATIVE and Labour councillors are considering abandoning their party ties to join Nantwich's rebel party, it is claimed.

The GUARDIAN has learned that some borough councillors are involved in ongoing talks with the three Nantwich rebels, who officially launched their Nantwich Independent Party on March 1.

Cllr Sue Johnston, who sits on Nantwich Town Council and did represent Labour, is the first councillor to defect to the new party.

Cllr Johnston joins 11 non-councillor members of the Labour party who have left their group and joined Cllrs Bill McGinnis, Arthur Moran and Independent group leader Steve Hope.

Cllr McGinnis confirmed that borough councillors from both groups have been in discussion with them and said they had shown a 'fairly strong interest' in leaving their respective parties.

If the moves happen they could disrupt the balance of the borough council leaving more power with the Nantwich Independents but Cllr McGinnis maintains the party is for Nantwich and will be free of political ties and whips.

"I would not like to put a number on it, but they have expressed a fairly strong interest," Cllr McGinnis admitted.

The Nantwich rebel also confirmed the interested councillors were from both Labour and Conservative parties.

"There are ongoing discussions on an informal basis," Cllr McGinnis continued, "They would not liked to be pushed into it."

Cllr McGinnis said it was down to the councillors to make up their minds but maintained that the pure fact they had expressed an interest means they recognise the benefits of the Nantwich group.

Members of the Independent group will be allowed to vote as they please at full council meetings according to Cllr McGinnis.

"We are going to operate without any whip and anyone who has a voice will be listened to," explained Cllr McGinnis.

He maintained the Nantwich group will be able to operate more effectively for Nantwich than the borough council.

"Crewe and Nantwich councillors are tied into politics, either left or right, and often this cuts across what might be the best decision," he added.

The group has announced six major campaign issues for Nantwich including policing and ambulance provision in the town, telecom masts, youth facilities, taxation and the expansion of Nantwich.

Group leader, Steve Hope, added: "This party will have one aim, to represent the interests of Nantwich without interference from Party Whip or dogma."

Labour leader, Peter Kent, said: "If they only have 10 or 11 Nantwich members joining them, I do not think that is terribly impressive."

"Nantwich Labour group is certainly sticking behind the party and I would be interested to know who the councillors are when there are no more councillors from Labour in Nantwich," he added.

Conservative Leader, Marshall Nield, said he had heard nothing about possible defections and added: "The group is splitting the Labour party which is good for Crewe and Nantwich and it will be interesting to see what happens."