Eight former SNP councillors, who have quit the party over the past few months, have outlined their vision for North Lanarkshire Council.
Progressive Change NL has been formed by the councillors, each sharing a personal commitment to serving the people of North Lanarkshire but without the shackles and constraints of traditional political party politics.
The new party believes the current, local party-political system is broken and does not serve the people well enough.
The group aims to introduce policies that promote positive change in areas such as education, healthcare, social justice, the economy, and the environment.
Progressive Change NL elected leader, Councillor Greg Lennon, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new group, which presents an exciting challenge for both myself and my colleagues.
“Over time, North Lanarkshire has witnessed a significant lack of representation for our communities as well as within the council workforce.
“It is unfortunate that tribal politics has hindered progress on issues that truly matter - the wellbeing and prosperity of our people.
“Unlike our counterparts we firmly believe in upholding the values that have been regrettably absent in political discourse.
“With unwavering dedication, both individually and collectively, we are committed to effectively representing the residents of each of our respective wards.
“Our group comprises of individuals who possess exceptional talent and a wealth of political experience.
“We eagerly embrace the opportunity to become the second largest opposition group within North Lanarkshire Council.
“By prioritising the needs of our constituents and fostering a more inclusive political environment, our group aims to bring about meaningful and positive change.
“We are resolute in our determination to create a North Lanarkshire that serves the interests of all our residents, to move away from national matters that we can’t change or impact at a council level and we look forward to work collaboratively with community members, stakeholders and fellow councillors to achieve this goal.”
The eight founder members of Progressive Change are councillors Beth Baudo; Gerry Brennan; David Crichton; Paul DiMascio; Jim Hume; Greg Lennon; Barry McCluskey and Cameron McManus.
Seven of the councillors sensationally departed the North Lanarkshire SNP group after they were subjected to disciplinary matters.
They had been accused of bringing the party into disrepute and were disciplined by the SNP group after backing an amendment to a motion put to a full meeting of North Lanarkshire Council by the group’s leader Tracy Carragher.
All seven had recently written a joint letter to the SNP National Secretary Lorna Finn about the scandal surrounding former council leader Jordan Linden, and group leader Tracy Carragher’s alleged failure to investigate complaints made by one member.
An eighth member, Central Wishaw elected member Jim Hume, then joined the group having resigned from the SNP.
The group’s deputy Leader Paul DiMascio added: “For me, having like minded councillors, all committed to having open, respectful and meaningful debate on issues, is refreshing. It was something sadly lacking in my previous council group.
“Within Progressive Change we have already developed a strategy to serve our respective communities and take forward local issues and concerns. “We will seek to support and work with all members of the council chamber, as and when it is appropriate, and for the betterment of North Lanarkshire residents.”
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