South Woodham Ferrers Residents Party

03/06/2026

Having been involved in standing for the recent Essex County Council elections I was struck again by how different the results could have been under a different voting system. That's not to take anything away from Cllr. Christopher Benn's victory, which we congratulate him on. However, if for example, 2nd choice was taken into account what difference would that make. It would make the eventual winner somebody who had been wanted by more voters - possibly a majority of voters. This is just one possible alternative way of voting and we are asking you to help the campaign by Action Network to bring an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill. Currently, there are 100 MPs supporting it - the highest for any amendment to the Bill. We would like residents to ask our MP to sign up for it, too. Please use the link to access the pre-written letter:

Last month’s elections have shown just how broken our voting system is. 100 MPs have just supported an amendment demanding a total review of this system, and a change to proportional representation. But to make an impact, we need many more. I’ve urged my MP to support it with this tool. Can you ...

08/05/2026

I would like to thank all of you who turned out to vote in yesterdays election (44.5%!) and particularly those who voted for me, the local party candidate. Unfortunately, we came in 5th this time round. We hope to see you about town in future, so keep your eyes open for us and our boat logo. We are always looking to welcome new members into our party and if you are interested in real LOCAL politics you might like to take a look at our website: www.swfrp.org.uk and/or contact us on [email protected]
Once again, thank you for your continued support. Keith Bentley, leader of SWFRP.

06/05/2026

Don't forget to take valid ID with you when you vote on 7th May. A passport or driving licence is OK. For a full list of valid ID check the Electoral Commission website at:

You need to show photo ID when voting at polling stations in some UK elections. Find out about the different types of photo ID accepted.

04/05/2026

Keith's thoughts on our crossings...Vote SWFRP on 7 May https://www.facebook.com/reel/2307134566481950/

02/05/2026

What we think should happen to our libraries.

02/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/swfrpkeithbentley/posts/pfbid0sXedN9SKnboBHcy8HSdieFQ5A5DDBxP85RF78xPTCcyh6axXWZhLmyh3ukpgT8rvl

Great to be out campaigning in SWF town centre today and listening to residents' thoughts about the town and what we could do better...

28/04/2026

📢 Important ELECTION deadlines – and an update for those in Springfield. 📢

📅 DEADLINES

5pm on Tuesday 28 April is the deadline to:

🪪 Apply for free voter ID. This is for people who don’t already have a form of valid photo ID to vote.

🙋‍♀️ Apply to vote by proxy. This is for people who can’t get to the polling station on polling day and want a trusted person to cast a vote on their behalf.

📬 SPRINGFIELD ELECTION UPDATE

The election for the Chelmsford Springfield division has been postponed to Thursday 18 June following the passing of one of the candidates, Councillor Mike Mackrory.

Residents affected by this postponement should receive an election update by post over the next few days.

More info and useful links in the comments.

28/04/2026

Local is at our heart...

ARE YOU VOTING FOR A PARTY WITH LOCAL AT ITS HEART?
These are local elections. Whichever party wins cannot do anything about national issues.
Yet it has come to our attention that some national parties are trying to make these local elections into a 'Get Starmer Out' campaign.
This is not a General Election and we believe candidates should stick to local issues and policies and not stray into irrelevant statements more suitable for a national poll.
We are facing the biggest upheaval in local government for decades and it's important that the Woodham Ferrers District elects someone who will be focused on the services that Essex County Council delivers to our residents, for as long as it exists. We believe we have a tried and tested candidate who will do that. Vote for your SWFRP candidate on May 7th: VOTE Keith Bentley

**It's come to our attention that our members have been blocked from South Woodham Ferrers largest Facebook group by its single admin. If you believe in free speech, our policies or think our voice should be heard in South Woodham, please share this and future posts to that group**

27/04/2026

10/01/2026

SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS RESIDENTS' PARTY THROWS SUPPORT BEHIND 'LOCAL' MODEL FOR ESSEX COUNCILS.

The South Woodham Ferrers Residents' Party has reaffirmed its support for a five council unitary model for Essex in the latest proposals for Local Government reorganisation.

Its members met early in the new year to discuss the proposals in detail and officially decided to back the five-council model, over other proposals for three and four council systems backed by some other Essex councils.

The five unitary model would replace the current two tier system with five new unitary authorities. Under the proposal, South Woodham Ferrers would be likely to become part of a new 'Mid-Essex Council' stretching from our town to Brentwood, Chelmsford and Maldon. The new council would have a population of around 331,000 people which is about double the number of people represented by our current Chelmsford City Council. Council leaders from Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Maldon, Southend-on-Sea, Tendring and Uttlesford support the proposal, making it the most backed of all the proposals for local government in Essex.

Keith Bentley, Leader of the South Woodham Ferrers Residents' Party, said: "The five unitary council model is a model which enables stronger community engagement and gives the opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment and therefore meets our criteria best as a local independent party which represents the community of South Woodham Ferrers.

"The other options, for fewer councils, will be too large to be close to their communities, leaving the residents of the authority politically disengaged and without a voice."

The government consultation on Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex closes on Sunday 11 January 2026. You can respond here: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/essex-southend-on-sea-thurrock/

You can find out more about the different proposals, including the 'five-council' one backed by the Party here: https://www.essexlgrhub.org/stronger-greater-essex

A decision on the new unitary council structure is expected from the Secretary of State in Spring 2026, with new councils expected to go live in April 2028.

More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-government-reorganisation-letter-to-areas-invited-to-submitted-final-proposals/summary-of-the-local-government-reorganisation-process

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https://www.swfrp.org.uk/news