A significant shift has taken place at Boston Borough Council after 14 councillors resigned from the Boston Independent Party on Friday, 11th July. The group, which includes six former Portfolio Holders and Cabinet Members, among them the Deputy Leader, have confirmed they will no longer be associated with the party.
The councillors will now act as Independents, continuing to represent their wards and residents, but have collectively formed a new Independent group. They state this new group will not follow party politics, instead focusing on “the common good” for the Borough of Boston and all stakeholders. Members of the new group will vote freely on council matters according to what they believe is best for their residents.
The new group is expected to announce its official name in the coming days and has confirmed intentions to align with other Independents at Boston Borough Council. Together, they aim to form a new administration at the Council meeting scheduled for Monday, 21st July.
Former Deputy Leader Dale Broughton, now among those who have stepped down, said: “I have officially resigned as Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder of the Boston Independent Group along with 13 colleagues. I will continue as an Independent Councillor for the Coastal Ward and, as always, will work hard for the residents and Boston Borough Council. I will not be joining another political party and will continue as an Independent, which I was elected as in 2023.”
Councillor Christopher Mountain, Borough Councillor for the Wyberton Ward said: “I would like to confirm I have officially resigned from the Boston Independent Party and will no longer be associated with any political group. Along with many others, including several cabinet members and the Deputy Leader, I have taken this step so I can fully focus on representing the people who elected me, without party politics getting in the way.
“I will continue to serve as an Independent Councillor, working alongside others who share the same goals putting residents first. Together I hope we can act as an independent group, free from political control and committed to working in the best interests of our wards, the Borough of Boston, and the wider community.
“For my constituents, nothing changes. I remain here to help, speak up, and take action on your behalf, just as I always have. I will also continue my strong support for the Armed Forces community in Boston and for youth services across the town.
“I’m sure more will be announced in the coming days, but my focus will always remain on doing what’s right for Wyberton and Boston.”
Councillor Callum Butler and John Baxter, both borough Councillors for Old Leake and Wrangke issued a joint statement saying:
“Along with 12 others, We have both resigned from the Boston independent party as of the 9th of July 2025. This also means we have both resigned from cabinet and our portfolio holder roles. We will both continue as independents.
“What does this mean for you?
Nothing. We will both be as approachable as we always have been. We will both respond as we always do to resident requests for help. We are both still 100% committed to our community.”
Councillor Helen Staples, David Scoot and Sarah Sharpe, Borough Councillors for the Fishtoft ward said: “Helen, David and Sarah would like to announce that they have resigned from the Boston Independent Party.
As independent councillors they remain fully committed to serving the residents of Fishtoft and continuing to help move the Borough of Boston forward.
We look forward to continuing to work with you all.”
Suzanne Welberry, Borough Councillor for Swineshead and Holland Fen said: “I have resigned from the Boston Independent Party along with 13 other councillors. I have resigned from the party not from being an Independent councillor. I still represent Swineshead & Holland Fen ward alongside Councillor Stuart Evans (conservative). I am born & bred in my ward & want the best for local residents, the Borough of Boston & the wider community. This was not possible to achieve as a member of the BI party.”
Further announcements are expected next week.
