AS A resident of Tadley, I am deeply concerned about the recent social media activity of Cllr Paul Harvey, the Independent leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. His recent Facebook posts seem to contradict the principles of impartiality and fair representation expected from someone who was elected under a banner of independence from party politics.

In his first post, Cllr Harvey shared a message encouraging Conservative voters to "Stay at Home" on election day. Initially, this could be seen as an isolated incident. However, his second post, where he congratulates the borough's Labour and LibDem MPs, committing to work with them, but fails to acknowledge Kit Malthouse, our Conservative MP for NW Hampshire, raises further concerns.

This omission is troubling and does not reflect the neutrality expected from an independent leader. As an elected official, Cllr Harvey should represent and support the entire community, regardless of political affiliation. His actions have left many, including myself, feeling disenfranchised.

It is disheartening to see behaviour that undermines the values of impartiality and fair representation. The role of a council leader should be to foster inclusivity and ensure that all voices are heard.

I urge the local authorities to address this issue and reaffirm the commitment to unbiased representation in our council.

James Adams  

Barlows Road

Tadley 

Council leader Paul Harvey's response to the letter:

I thank your reader for their views and letter. I think they misunderstand. I am not impartial. I am an independent councillor who has views and opinions just like everyone else and working with my colleagues we are determined to deliver outcomes and change that makes the lives of people living and working in our borough better.

I make no apology for my laser focus on the job, which as anyone who knows me will respect has my attention full time seven days a week.

After 17 years of the Conservatives running Basingstoke, we are concentrated on sorting out the mess they left behind and delivering a new approach that will take us forwards to a better place. From making sure our local economy is thriving for everyone across the borough; to investing in and not cutting frontline services like grounds and streetcare – our officers do an amazing job; to driving forward the delivery of more social rented housing; to securing investment in our leisure park and town centre; to making sure the prosperity of our borough is shared by all communities throughout our borough – both rural and urban. My agenda is political and I more determined than ever to do everything I can to make a difference. We have so much to tell me people about what we are doing; we buzzing with activity at the council in every area you can think of. I want to get things done. I said last year when I was elected leader in May 2023 that it was a huge privilege to have the opportunity to serve the people of our borough. That is exactly what I am doing with my colleagues.

We are a joint administration, and I am proud to work with both my Lib Dem colleagues in the Executive and Labour colleagues in chamber. And we are not impartial. My election message speaks for itself and congratulating our two new MPs was right and proper, I am looking forward to working with them. The council already has a good relationship with Kit.

I am very partial about the success of our borough and how we can make a difference to everyone. Our Independent approach is about getting on with the job and getting results.

Dr Paul Harvey

Leader of the Council

Councillor for Norden Ward

Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council

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