The following information above was shared by one of the political candidates campaigning in Heald Green ward. We thought this merited a fact check.
As members of the Local Government Association’s Independent Group this is not the message we’re hearing – and it seems that we’re correct.
Setting the record straight
Firstly, we couldn’t find any evidence of independent groups losing to Reform in huge numbers. Rather, the information sources we looked at suggested independent councillor numbers are growing.
Because independent groups are a patchwork and not one identity they don’t get as much coverage.
This article: Independent but Influential: The Power of Non-Party Politics in Local Government, has recent data and useful context.
To summarise:
- In October 2025, there were over 2,100 independent councillors across the UK.
- In the May 2025 local elections independents gained 89 seats.
Why this matters
Public sentiment is shifting. The Public perceptions of independent councillors polling report found that 51% of voters would consider voting for an independent candidate. Their influence is particularly notable in councils with no overall control, where independents often hold the balance of power.
It is a fact that the number of independent councillors across Stockport is growing, with the addition of new groups like our colleagues at Edgeley Community Association.