A COUNCILLOR has started a new party that 'puts equality at the heart of local politics' after the organisation she represented voted to shut itself down.

Stacy Hart, along with other members of the Basingstoke branch of the Women's Equality Party chose to start 'Basingstoke Equality' after the Sandi Toksvig and Catherine Mayer founded party voted to dissolve on Sunday, November 17.

In a statement on its website, members from the party's executive committee called the closure 'undeniably a difficult moment' adding that they were 'heartbroken to be saying goodbye'.

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The decision was reportedly made due to financial difficulties and a changing political landscape.

Councillor for Hatch Warren and Beggarwood, Stacy Hart, became the party's first borough councillor after the local elections in May 2024, being elected to the ward with 59 per cent of the vote. 

The councillor said she wanted to continue work 'bringing an equality ethos to everything she campaigns for and delivers for' despite the closure of the WEP, which spurred her to create Basingstoke Equality.

In addition to starting the party, Stacy Hart has announced that she will run to become a Hampshire County Councillor in the May 2025 elections, hoping to represent South West Basingstoke.

She told the Gazette: "I’m thrilled to announce that I’m running to be your County Councillor in next May’s elections. I’ve long fought for equality in Basingstoke and I’m excited to continue that work with our new local party, Basingstoke Equality.

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“Our work locally has had a huge impact both before and since winning my Borough seat, on issues as far ranging as ending violence against women and girls, successfully campaigning against the 24-hour McDonalds license, Basingstoke hospital funding and more, plus of course, I have been working tirelessly since May to serve residents and address their issues.

"I believe that by serving on County Council as well as Borough Council I can have an even greater impact on more of the issues that residents care about.

"I look forward to meeting more of the residents in the Kempshott and Brighton Hill areas of the South West division, as well as continuing to meet and serve Hatch Warren and Beggarwood residents."

The Basingstoke Women's Equality Party social media accounts have all changed to represent Basingstoke Equality.

More information on the change can be found at: basingstokeequality.org.uk