A newly-formed Independent group could be fielding up to 12 candidates in the Allerdale elections.

The move comes ahead of a major change in the political landscape of Allerdale, with the number of councillors slashed from 56 to 49 following a ward boundary shake-up.

The West Cumbria Independents have described themselves as “not politically aligned” and focused on creating a “fairer system” across the borough.

Stephen Stoddart, county and Allerdale councillor for Moorclose, and former Allerdale councillor for Maryport George Kemp have been spearheading the election drive.

Both men have been critical of the executive model of local government in Allerdale and want to see a “more democratic system” in place.

The borough authority’s Labour executive has eight members, though decisions are typically put before the full council for further consideration.

Coun Stoddart said: “We are hoping for a change in the way the council operates. There are 56 members on the council but the executive makes decisions for us all – and that’s not democracy.”

He also wants to see more investment in Moorclose amid claims his ward has been “decimated” following the demolition of its sports centre as well as its only pub and secondary school.

Mr Kemp has raised similar concerns about Maryport in response to news that the council is proposing to borrow £25m to create a shared stadium in Workington.

He said: “Maryport is a ghost town now – and everything seems to be centralised in Workington. I am not against the shared stadium for Workington but the amount of money is scandalous.”

The group has ten confirmed members but Mr Kemp said he expects that number to be at least a dozen ahead of May’s election.

The Independent Group will focus its canvassing in Workington and Maryport, and looks set to distribute 15,000 election leaflets.