Demanding Better for Kingston.
The Kingston Independent Residents Group (KIRG) is the local political party formed by residents in Kingston upon Thames. We provide a strong, independent voice for people that live in the Royal Borough of Kingston. We love where we live and know it the best; so we believe that on local issues, locals should decide and not the national party whip. But that’s not what’s been happening in Kingston over the last 18 years.
Introduction from Group Leader, Helen Hinton
Westminster parties simply can’t be trusted with prioritising our local issues. Picking fights with our teachers, doctors, nurses and police directly impacts local families every day. The choice is quite clear. Do we want Westminster parties telling us what to do locally, or should we decide for ourselves? Kingston residents are fed up with their councillors working for Westminster and they now have a unique chance to elect their first residents’ councillors. In 2022 we’d like to see councillors across Kingston elected to Council, that only answer to one boss – residents.
Group Leader, Helen Hinton
The Kingston Independent Residents Group was formed by Kingston residents who wanted to take an active role in creating the future for where they live. We are promoting an independent voice in local government and championing local communities, away from Westminster policies and politics. We are looking for people to join the team and represent residents at Kingston Council. We believe in:
If you agree with us, please get in touch and join us today. Call 020 8050 5096 or email nm@kirg.org.uk
Latest News
JAMES GILES, YVONNE TRACEY AND RICHARD HEBBORN
Make a Donation – support our work
Help us continue our campaigns across the borough by donating to our campaign fund today!
Demanding Better for Kingston... All Year Round!
Our team are working hard for Kingston all year round - get in touch if you need help.
Your New Malden Independent Team can be contacted on nm@kirg.org.uk or on 020 8050 5104. We hold monthly surgeries on the last Saturday of each month at The Place (next to Suttles) on New Malden High Street, 11am-1pm.
Deepa Veneik and I are your Kingston Town Independent Team, and can be contacted on grove@kirg.org.uk or on 020 8050 5096. We're fighting for residents across Grove all year round, and regularly hold 'street surgeries'. Please contact me for details on when we're next near you.
I'm fighting for a Better Norbiton for all residents. I can be contacted on norbiton@kirg.org.uk or on 020 8050 5096. All surgeries are cancelled for the foreseeable future due to Covid-19 in Norbiton.
We have teams across the borough who support residents. If you can't find a member of your local ward team listed here, please ring 020 8050 5096 or email admin@kirg.org.uk and we'll be happy to put you in touch with your local team.
I'm Fighting for Kingston, and have lived in Coombe Hill with my family for over 20 years. You can contact me on helen@kirg.org.uk, on Twitter @HillCoombe or on 020 8050 5096. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.
I'm proud to be the newest member of the New Malden Independent Team, who can be contacted on nm@kirg.org.uk or on 020 8050 5104. We hold monthly surgeries on the last Saturday of each month at The Place (next to Suttles) on New Malden High Street, 11am-1pm.
Help us create a Better Kingston
We're fighting to make Kingston better, but need the help and support of residents to do this.
Become a Volunteer
Be it displaying a poster at election time, delivering a few leaflets in your road, or even standing for election - if you can help, we want to hear from you!
Who represents the Kingston Independent Residents Group at Kingston Council?
Mary Clark and David Fraser represented us until 2018. In 2022, we want to hold the balance of power at Kingston Council. Why? Because we see national party politics as a real problem in local government. In Kingston, national agendas are being ridden roughshod over local needs. We need our schools, roads and healthcare sorting out and it’s not being done. We have to ask ourselves, do they work for us or their Westminster bosses?
What does a Kingston Councillor do?
Councillors should first and foremost, represent their constituents. They deal with residents’ queries and requests in the areas that Kingston Council have control over. Councillors make decisions about the services that are provided by the council, taking part in council meetings where they are called upon to vote, and in committees that deal with specific projects, issues and services.
How can I stand for Council?
We’ve put together the following notes so that you can think about putting your name forward for selection under the Kingston Independent Residents Group banner:
- Kingston is crying out for representation with residents’ interests first and foremost rather than national party policies that might not fit our community;
- There is a rising tide of residents’ opinion and also dissent amongst the ranks of the controlling party (including sacking their leader at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic) – residents are crying out for a stronger voice;
- An allowance of over £8,000 per annum is payable;
- You should be available for evening meetings – a good deal of work is undertaken via email;
- Candidates will have the very strong support of a team of likeminded individuals and serving councillors.
- If you are interested or want to find out more, please do get in touch by emailing james@kirg.org.uk
Are Councillors paid?
Kingston Councillors are paid a basic allowance of over £8,000 to enable them to undertake their duties, which are:
- Being available and accessible to all of the constituents in their ward;
- Preparing for and attending formal and informal meetings that they are invited to;
- Representing the interests of the whole council area.
Some councillors have additional responsibilities and they are entitled to a special responsibility allowance to reflect the additional role.
Our Officers
(the legal bit) | The Kingston Independent Residents Group is a UK registered political party with the Electoral Commission. Published and promoted by James Giles on behalf of the Kingston Independent Residents Group, all of 53 South Park Grove, New Malden, KT3 5DA.
Helen Hinton
GROUP LEADER, KINGSTON
James Giles
DEPUTY LEADER, NEW MALDEN
Deepa Veneik
NOMINATING OFFICER, SURBITON
