Northern Independence Party facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Northern Independence Party
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Abbreviation | NIP |
| Leader | David Heaven |
| Founders | Philip Proudfoot Evie McGovern |
| National Chair | Suzanne Clifton |
| Founded | 22 October 2020 |
| Registered | 30 June 2021 |
| Headquarters | 10 Houghton Avenue Warrington Cheshire WA2 7EQ |
| Membership (2021) | 1,400 |
| Ideology |
|
| Political position | Left-wing |
| Colours | Burgundy Yellow |
| Slogan | It's About Bloody Time |
The Northern Independence Party (NIP) is a small party in the United Kingdom. It wants the North of England to become an independent country. They would call this new country Northumbria, an old Anglo-Saxon name. The party was started in October 2020 by Philip Proudfoot. Currently, the NIP does not have any people elected to government. David Heaven is the current leader of the party.
Contents
The NIP's Story: How it Started
The Northern Independence Party began on 22 October 2020. It was founded by Philip Proudfoot and Evie McGovern. They were joined by other people who used to be part of the Labour Party. These founders felt that the Labour Party's new leader, Keir Starmer, was moving the party too much towards the middle ground of politics.
Philip Proudfoot got the idea to start the NIP after seeing how Andy Burnham reacted to the government's help for Greater Manchester. This was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proudfoot felt that too much power was held in London. He pointed out big differences between the North and South of England. These differences were in things like healthcare, transport, education, and how people live.
Becoming an Official Party
The NIP first tried to register with the Electoral Commission in February 2021. The Electoral Commission is the group that makes sure elections are fair. Their first application was not complete, so it was rejected.
The party tried again in March 2021. On 30 June, they announced that they were officially registered. This meant they could now put candidates forward in elections.
After the NIP announced their candidate for the 2021 Hartlepool by-election, many people joined the party. Their membership grew from 300 to 1,300 members.
Changes in Leadership
Philip Proudfoot was the first leader of the NIP. In July 2022, he stepped down because he had other work commitments. David Heaven then became the new leader of the party.
What the NIP Believes In: Their Policies
The NIP is inspired by the Scottish National Party, which wants Scotland to be independent. The NIP wants the North of England to become its own country called Northumbria. This name comes from an old kingdom that existed from the 7th to the 10th century.
Where is Northumbria?
Philip Proudfoot has explained what areas would be part of Northumbria. These include Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, Merseyside, Tyne and Wear, Greater Manchester, County Durham, Northumberland, and Cheshire. Since 2022, it also includes the High Peak area in northern Derbyshire. The party has suggested York as a possible capital city. They have also thought about having several capital cities.
Economic and Social Ideas
The NIP calls itself a democratic socialist party. This means they believe in fairness and equality for everyone. They want a "green industrial rebirth" and "socialism with a northern accent." They propose an economy where businesses work together more. They want to focus on co-operatives (businesses owned by their workers or customers) and local businesses.
The party also supports "community wealth building." This is about keeping money and resources within local communities. If the North became independent, the NIP says it would take control of some important industries. These include utilities (like water and electricity), public transport, and the National Health Service (NHS). They also want to make broadband internet free for everyone.
Future Decisions for an Independent North
The NIP formed after Brexit. Their plans suggest that an independent North could decide to join the European Union again in the future. This decision would be made by the public through a vote.
They also believe the people should decide if an independent North would keep the monarchy (having a King or Queen). This would also be decided by a public vote.
The NIP does not like the current election system, called First Past the Post. They think a new system should be chosen by a special group of people called a constitutional assembly.
NIP in Elections: Trying to Win Seats
The Northern Independence Party has put forward candidates in several elections. So far, they have not won any seats.
By-elections (2019-Present)
In March 2021, the NIP chose Thelma Walker as their candidate for the 2021 Hartlepool by-election. She used to be a Labour MP. However, the NIP was not officially registered in time for her name to appear as a NIP candidate. So, she ran as an Independent candidate. She received 250 votes and lost her deposit (a small fee candidates pay to run, which they lose if they don't get enough votes).
The NIP also ran a candidate, Christopher Jones, in the 2022 Wakefield by-election. He received 84 votes and also lost his deposit.
Local Elections
The NIP has supported candidates in local elections, where people vote for their local council members.
- In the 2021 local elections, the party supported four independent candidates. None of these candidates were elected.
- In the 2022 local elections, the NIP ran eight of its own candidates in different areas. None of these candidates were elected either.
- In the 2023 local elections, the NIP ran two candidates. Again, neither of them were elected.
See also
- North East Party, a regional party calling for a North East Assembly
- Yorkshire Party, a regional party calling for a Yorkshire Parliament
- Northern Party, a defunct regional party that was based in Lancashire
- North–South divide in England
