We have all seen a turbulent year this year at Seaford Town Council. These problems were exacerbated by a culture of party politics, strangling debate and at times losing what was in the best interests of the town.

I was elected as a Lib Dem and these are still my underpinning personal views and I am honoured to be elected to serve.

After witnessing the damaging effects of party politics, at a parish level and listening to the views of the electorate I decided I must stand as an Independent and put the people and town of Seaford first before any political party at parish level.

I passionately believe this is the way forward for the town. This is not aimed at any particular party as was the inherited style from the previous administrations.

Seaford has a wealth of people who could make a great contribution to the town but feel uncomfortable with a party political badge and the party machine but would like to do the best for their town. This has been shown by residents actively engaging in parish matters more recently.

I am therefore asking each of the main political parties to reflect on the last couple of years and to listen to the townspeople and not put party political candidates forward for Seaford Town Council.

Stand back and let a variety of individuals from Seaford stand with no party political agenda other than to listen, to the townspeople and act in the best interests of the town and it’s people now and going forward.

This will enable the town to be represented and to work with those from across the political divide at district and county to do the best for Seaford, without party political hindrance.

Other areas locally and nationally do not have party politics at parish level and work well.

I am hoping that the local leaders of the political parties will listen and unanimously stand back.

Can you, will you really put Seaford first before party politics? I look forward to hearing from the decision makers of the political parties and the townspeople we represent. I will continue to put #communityb4politics will you?

Cllr Sarah McStravick

Independent Seaford North

Seaford Town Council