Taking the politics out of politics.....
Councillor Marc Amron, Leader of Hertsmere First
Hertsmere First was formed in February 2025 with the ambition to “take the politics out of politics” at Hertsmere Borough Council.
Our group comprises three councillors from diverse backgrounds and political views but brought together by our genuine empathy, a willingness to help other people and put other people before us. In terms of some of our beliefs, we’re pretty poles apart - but there is so much that ties us together. Having Alpha Collins elected as Hertsmere's first ever independent mayor was an absolutely fantastic development. In Hertsmere the mayor is a ceremonial role which they are supposed to fulfil in a political impartial way. There is a perception amongst our public that this has been challenging in the past, and we have no doubt Alpha will be the People's Mayor, a truly independent holder of the role who will always be there for each and every resident.
Hertsmere First hoping to ‘take the politics out of politics’ | Watford Observer
Independent Alpha Collins becomes Hertsmere mayor - Essex Live
Left to right: Hertsmere First councillors Graeme Alexander, Marc Amron and Mayor Alpha Collins together with Mayoress Rev Louise Collins
Hertsmere First have some agreed upon priorities, including protecting the green belt, supporting another GP surgery in Borehamwood, and calling for regular inspections of housing association properties. Indeed, we are already beginning to see movement from the Council in these areas following pressure from Hertsmere First. But the new group will definitely not be "whipped". We see "whipping" as a rather authoritarian tactic used by the large political parties to force members to vote along party lines, often against their personal conscience. Cllr Amron says: “There could be situations where we end up voting three different ways, but that’s the whole point. We respect each other’s differences, and we’re going to put those to good use. We’re bound together by our honesty, our integrity, and our willingness to listen to other people’s point of view even if we don’t necessarily agree with them."
Above: Hertsmere Borough Council
We’re never going to completely take the politics out of politics, but we are going to try to change the atmosphere in Hertsmere’s council chamber. There are definitely shared interests between the groups, we must focus on the common goals and shared values to build unity across the chamber. We need to foster open and respectful dialogue and identify common ground, but do it in a way for each party to make a decision without harming the other with a bit of give and take and putting aside the them and us mentality.