The Leader of Boston Borough Council has issued a statement following the announcement that multiple borough councillors have withdrawn their allegiance from Boston Independent Group.
Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council issued a formal statement on Friday evening saying:
“Five councillors have submitted a Motion on Notice to full council on 21st July 2025, seeking to remove me as Leader of the Council.
“I believe strong leadership is about integrity and keeping your promises. Our residents didn’t vote for internal politics, they voted for action. We made a commitment to be different from what went before us, and for over two years the Boston Independent group have delivered significant outcomes that we can all be proud of.
“From improving our public realm, regenerating the town centre, ensuring the delivery of major capital projects on time and on budget, and providing transparency and accountability within the council, my focus has always been on the residents of Boston Borough. That is why this latest move is so disappointing: it completely undermines the progress we’ve made together and creates chaos for our residents and our staff.
“It is regrettable that some have chosen political manoeuvring over collaboration, especially when our priority should be serving the people who elected us. Those seeking to lead must first show they have the skills required to do so, and that means remaining calm under pressure, resolving issues fairly and amicably, and ensuring that the end goal isn’t compromised along the way.
“It is equally disappointing that those involved have chosen not to follow our agreed internal processes or speak to me directly. This matter should have been addressed within the Boston Independent Group, through the constitution that we all signed up to.
“These councillors were all elected as Boston Independents and that’s clearly what the public chose at the ballot box. Each and every one of them should now do the honourable thing and resign from council and stand again under their new banner – whatever that may be. Many of them have demanded the same of others so their only honest option would be to practice what they’ve preached.
“I remain saddened by the course of action taken by individuals whom I considered friends and colleagues, and I was completely blindsided by their resignations. There were no reasons given, no explanations offered and no opportunity to discuss the matter with any of them, because when I contacted each of them to have a chat, I discovered that they’d ghosted me. That’s not leadership, that’s cowardice.
“My focus has never been on personalities or politics, it is, and always will be, on public service. I will always respect the democratic process and the right of councillors to raise leadership challenges through the proper, formal channels.
“I will continue to lead with integrity and professionalism until the full council has had its say. I urge all councillors, regardless of personal view, to consider carefully what message their actions send to the people we were elected to represent. A private group meeting has been arranged for Monday evening to allow everyone to air their views in person and I would strongly encourage my colleagues to attend.
“Whatever the outcome, it has been, and continues to be, a honour and a privilege to represent and serve the residents of this borough.”
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.”
The message it sends to me, is that they no longer want to work alongside you, as leader of both the council and Boston Independents, and have decided to go their own way to represent their ward constituents. In that case I would expect you to resign and face re-election also, as it would appear that you are the problem.