Independent for a
reason. You!

1. Why are you standing as a candidate?

2. Why Independent?

3. Isn’t a vote for an Independent a wasted vote?

4. Why now?

5. How long have you lived in the area?

6. Tell me about yourself and your family?

7. What qualifies you as a candidate to be a councillor?

8. Where would you see your priorities as a councillor?

9. Will you continue to be involved in other local interests and causes?

10. How will you all be working together, yet running as independents?

PENNY: This would be my second term as a Councillor, having been elected previously in 2021. I ran for election last time following my years of work with Keep Bourne End Green which led me to have a lot of (disappointing) dealings with the Council. Until then I was not aware of the reality of how local politics worked. Now, with 4 years as a Councillor under my belt I am even more disappointed with how political it is at the local level and want to be part of changing that. I am making a stand with the hope to change things. I want to be an Independent Councillor for all the residents in the Ward at a local level, but also part of a bigger movement across the County to move from having a majority party dictating to all and having instead a balanced, fairly spread representation Council making the best decisions for the residents of Buckinghamshire. 

LARISA: I think we live in a fantastic community and I am passionate about creating positive change to make it an even better place to live, work and grow for current and future generations. I have a deep-rooted connection to this community: for the last 6 years, I have been heavily involved in organising local events and voluntary projects and I have seen firsthand both the strengths and challenges that our community faces. I want to give a stronger voice to the people of this ward, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed. 

STUART: I have been a Buckinghamshire Councillor since May 2021, so this would be my second term if elected. Representing our community and individual residents is extraordinarily fulfilling and an opportunity to be of public service after a successful career in the private sector. It’s an opportunity to give back and spread the burden on those who have worked in public service all their lives.

PENNY: I want to stand for, and represent, the needs of the local people living within the Ward and County, the ‘average person,’ whoever that may be (including me). I do not believe all views should be controlled by a party policy which may not be beneficial to the local environment and everyone should be able to have an independent voice on all matters and concerns. We are very fortunate to live in a democratic society but you need open and varied representation of that society to prevent one party’s beliefs steamrolling through policies that may not take into account the local impact. I will not have my own beliefs controlled by a party Whip to the detriment of the residents I represent.

LARISA: I believe that the interests of residents are best represented by an independent voice at a local level. As an independent councillor, I would not be tied to a party line or ideology, allowing me to represent the specific needs and concerns of my local community without the constraints of national party politics. I would be able to vote and make decisions based solely on what I believe to be best for residents, rather than having to toe the party line or align with national party policies. 

STUART: Local government really does not need national party politics. It can waste a lot of energy when we should be coming together to resolve issues for residents. Being Independent means that you can speak up for residents, unconstrained by the party line or the Whip.

PENNY: No vote is a wasted vote. But better than that, a vote for someone who will stand up and speak up for anyone and everyone is the strongest vote of all. This isn’t a General Election. You can have a national political alignment but locally, that may not be in the best interest of your every day life. You need Independents to speak out for the locals on local matters.

LARISA: Definitely not! Every vote counts. A vote for any candidate, independent or otherwise, reinforces the democratic principle that all voices deserve to be heard. Independent candidates help diversify the political landscape, often raising issues or perspectives that the major parties ignore. Voting for them signals demand for broader representation and fresh ideas in politics. Ultimately, a "wasted vote" is one that doesn’t reflect your true preferences. Voting for an independent candidate is a powerful way to advocate for the change you want to see.

STUART: It is absolutely not a wasted vote if you have an excellent Independent candidate who will work harder for your community. Since May 2021, Independent Councillors have “boxed above their weight” to make a difference locally and be vocal in Council meetings at Aylesbury.

PENNY: 4 years ago I was successfully elected for a seat in the Ward of The Wooburns, Bourne End & Hedsor (alongside Stuart and Sophie), It started a journey which is not yet complete. With the changes of number of seats (147 down to 97) and the movement of more Independents standing that ever before, I want to be part of what can be achieved here with a better balanced and more fairly represented Council for everyone. I love being a local representative and being able to get results for people who have often described their situation as hitting their heads against a wall on matters.

LARISA: In recent years, more so than ever, people have lost confidence in politics. The public have lost faith that their vote and their voice matters and can make a difference. I want to become an Independent councillor to prove that this is not the case and to do my best to make sure that the concerns of local people are heard and addressed. 

STUART: Public confidence in national and local party politics is at an all time low. The Conservatives have lost the trust of many since 2010 and Labour have made some missteps since coming to government. The May 2025 local elections are a real opportunity for voters to speak their mind and let the two main parties know that they want action on the issues that are important.

PENNY: I have been a ‘local’ most of my life, bar a few years of travelling and working abroad in my 20s. I grew up 15 minutes away in Farnham Common where my parents still reside. My husband and I moved to Bourne End 14 years ago, whilst pregnant with our first child. We chose Bourne End as the perfect place to bring up a family with a lovely community and outdoor space. 

LARISA: I have lived in Flackwell Heath for almost 12 years. I grew up in Cheshire and moved to London after graduating from university. My husband and I then moved to Flackwell Heath as we loved the sense of community and felt it would be a great place to raise a family. 

STUART: I have lived in the area for almost 33 years, firstly in Wooburn during the 1970s and 1980s, and then in Bourne End since 2005.

PENNY:  I am married with 3 school aged children and 2 dogs. I’m social and love getting involved in local events (and often organising them too). I love people and have a wide range of friends. We run our own serviced accommodation business which my husband does the lions share of work on, but I help out with too. I enjoy walking daily with the dogs (and kids when they are at home). I’d like to say I am a regular runner too but I far too often find an excuse to not go out to make this claim anymore.

LARISA: I have been married to my husband Chris for 10 years, we have three young daughters (aged 7, 4 and 18 months). For many years I worked as a solicitor in a large London practice specialising in construction and project litigation. In 2018 when my first child was born I left the law to set up a business that enabled me to work from home and become more involved in my local community. I now run a micro-bakery and cooking school from my home in Flackwell Heath. Since 2019 I’ve been a committee member, and more recently the Chairperson of Flackwell Heath Residents Association and I’ve loved every minute of it! I really enjoy organising events and setting up initiatives that enrich the lives of those who live in our local community, and I’ve made some brilliant friends along the way. When I have a spare moment, I love cooking, eating and spending time with family and friends.

STUART: I am married to a practice nurse in the local GP surgery, so we get to meet a lot of local residents between us. Our three (now adult) children all went to school in the wider area and are now pursuing their careers in various locations. Prior to becoming a Councillor, I was involved with Keep Bourne End Green as a founding member campaigning against excessive housing development in our area. I enjoyed a thirty year career in the global food industry in various senior executive roles in Strategy and Marketing.

PENNY: The last 4 years have been a big learning curve, not just about what's involved in the role of a Councillor but also how the Council has historically been run. I feel now I know what's involved and how to best work towards solutions for residents. I understand the crucial criteria of needing to listen and understand people and find solutions and be willing to work hard to get them. Anyone who knows me knows how dedicated I am and would testify to me always stepping up and being dependable when support is needed for a good cause. Ultimately, I am an ‘ordinary’ resident, in the heart of this Ward, who believes we deserve better, and to be heard.

LARISA: Over the last six years I have committed a large part of my time and energy to improving life for those in our community. I have learnt a lot about this community, the people who live here and the things that are important to them. I would like to build on that experience and represent the interests of those people within local government. 

STUART: Over the last four years, I have worked hard to be available for residents and trying to get issues resolved. I have led an Opposition Group of 15 Councillors in Buckinghamshire Council and been an active participant in many important Council decision and scrutiny committees. As such, I believe I have had a positive impact for our community and Buckinghamshire as a whole.

PENNY: We have been present at every monthly Bourne End community Market for the last 4 years in order to be available to speak to residents on all matters. I have learnt that what a priority is to someone may vary greatly to someone else. What's important is representation on all matters as required and pushing for change when needed. We will continue to be present and available once re-elected aiming to continue being at BECmarket and hopefully at the Flackwell Heath monthly market too.

LARISA: I think communication is extremely important. Priorities will differ between individuals, what is important to one may be of little significance to another: but the important thing is that people are heard and their concerns are addressed. I would prioritise communication with residents, enabling issues to be raised and providing feedback wherever possible. 

STUART: Locally, we still have to deal with the potential impact of major housing development in the current and future local plans. We need the transport and other public service infrastructure in place to support any development. Countywide, local government is on the precipice of failure and I believe I can continue the cross-party work to improve the Council’s resilience and delivery for residents.

PENNY:  Of course. To me everything links in and ties together. I am currently Chair of the PTA at my youngest's Primary School (Juniper Hill in Flackwell Heath) which often involves the wider Flackwell community (eg involvement with Christmas on the Heath and Heathfest). I am a member of the PTA at my other 2 children's secondary school (Beaconsfield High School). I will always support all local schools in fundraising matters. In regards to KBEG (which many people associate me with) I will continue to fight for the best outcome possible, as I have from the start. KBEG has shut down as an official Charity and community group, but we still meet to discuss matters when relevant and will continue to do so. I am a member of the Wooburn and Bourne End Parish Council and so can be involved with everything at Parish level too. I am the co-Chair of Bourne End's big annual Christmas event (Bourne End Fun Night) and love helping to make this special night happen year after year.

LARISA: Of course. My involvement in local causes, particularly Flackwell Heath Residents Association, is what brought my desire to create positive change in our community to life. I will continue in my role as chairperson in addition to my other voluntary roles. I’m passionate about community and I believe that we are at our best when we are connected and communicating effectively. I hope that my involvement in local issues would make me a better councillor, and vice versa.

STUART: Absolutely - I have served on the Wooburn & Bourne End Parish Council since 2022 which is a valuable linkage between Buckinghamshire Council and our community. Clearly, there is an opportunity to get much more involved Flackwell Heath community activities with the expanded ward.

PENNY: The important thing about being an Independent candidate is that none of us are being ‘controlled’ by a political party. We are free to represent all residents on all matters from their point of view, as individuals. I have worked with Stuart for years in KBEG and now 4 years as a Councillor colleague. I've worked with Larisa on the PTA for the last 3 years and know not only that I can work well with them both, but that we have a respectful and good working relationship together. I believe that as Councillors we will share the work well and support each other, without compromising our own beliefs or those of others. Ultimately, I know we have the same ethics, values and drive to do what’s right for our Community.

As a final note I should say that we have been and are, very supportive and encouraging of other Independent candidates running for seats in the Election across the County. We look forward to working with everyone who is successful post election hopefully forming an Alliance to work together outside of political control but with respect and understanding as myself and Stuart have done for the last 4 years in 'IMPACT Alliance'

LARISA: Ultimately, we are independent in the sense that we are free from the constraints of political party machinery. We are free to represent the interests of residents as we see fit. There will be times when our opinions align and times when they differ - this is to be expected! Ultimately, we share the common goal of seeking to represent our community and act in its best interests.

STUART: First and foremost, all councillors are elected to represent residents. Over the last four years, we have been able to demonstrate that we can support one another on casework and various commitments. However, that does not mean that we always have to agree on everything when it comes to voting at Council on countywide matters. There have been occasions when we have voted differently and that is absolutely fine.

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