| The People's Independent Party | |
| Abbreviation: | PIP |
| Colorcode: |
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| Leader: | Warren Gibson |
| Founder: | Steven Cole |
| Ideology: | Localism |
| Headquarters: | 441 High Road, Essex, SS7 5AF |
| Colours: | Yellow-green Green |
| Country: | the United Kingdom |
| Seats1 Title: | Castle Point Borough Council |
| Seats2 Title: | Essex County Council |
The People's Independent Party (PIP) is a localist political party based in Castle Point, England. Formed in 2021 by former Conservative councillor Steven Cole, and registered in 2022, PIP sought to prevent a local plan to build 5,000 homes in the borough, by taking control of the council from the ruling Conservatives.[1] [2] [3] At formation, the party had four councillors (including Cole), all (except Cole) were originally elected as independents.
Following the results of the 2022 election, the PIP gained six seats to take its total to 10 councillors, ending over 20 years of Conservative control of Castle Point Borough Council.[4] A new joint administration was formed between the PIP and the Canvey Island Independent Party, with Steven Cole becoming Deputy Leader of the council.[5] [6]
In February 2023, Steven Cole stood down as party leader, and Warren Gibson was elected as leader of PIP and deputy leader of the council. In the 2023 election, the People's Independent Party gained a further seven seats bringing their total up to 16, all of which were taken from the Conservatives. There was one remaining seat in the St James' Ward that was Conservative-held.[7]
In the 2024 election, the party increased their vote share and gained a further eight councillors, winning a majority on the council, with the Conservatives losing all their seats. This led to Castle Point becoming the only council in England, where none of the seats are held by Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, or Greens.[8] [9] [10]
The main focus of the PIP has been re-writing the council's local plan to reduce construction and prioritise the development of brownfield sites. Other policies include freezing council tax, introducing a Community Infrastructure Levy, changing the election cycle to every four years, and spending £1.5 million to rejuvenate council owned buildings.[11]
Previously, the party campaigned on expanding activities for young people, and pushing for consultation on street lights being turned back on between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m..