Tadley and Pamber Hampshire Independents candidate – Charlotte Bennett

It’s not just the national parties who are taking part in this election – Charlotte Bennett will be standing for Hampshire Independents, determined to give the council a more local voice.

Although there are currently five independent councillors on the council – four from the Basingstoke and Deane Independent Group – Hampshire Independents are currently unrepresented, and Ms Bennett is keen for the party to get a foothold on the council.

“My colleagues and I in Hampshire Independents are really concerned about the housebuilding in Basingstoke,” she said, adding that sewage had been pumped into the borough's local rivers more than 500 times in the last year.

"We can’t keep building houses if the infrastructure is not there to support them.

“Young people are increasingly aware of climate issues, surely that covers everything not just electric cars and solar panels.

“I will do what I can to stop new house building until some serious consideration is given to protecting the environment from their impact.”

Ms Bennett has lived in Tadley for more than 20 years, going to school and college in Tadley and Basingstoke.

She continued: “Throughout my time living in the area, I have volunteered with local groups and charities.

“Helping and supporting others has always been important to me.

“I also think it is important to have a younger generation’s opinion.

“When I was younger, I didn't know of anyone I could talk to about local issues, which I feel needs to be addressed.”

The Hampshire Independents’ “core beliefs reflect the desire for real independence from the mainstream arena, but, more importantly, seek to tailor efforts towards the specific needs of individual Hampshire communities”.

Click here for Conservative candidate - Derek Mellor

Click here for Liberal Democrats candidate - Jo Slimin

Click here for Green candidate - Richard Musson

The election will take place on May 5.