What is Shropshire First - the new political party looking to enter the fray next year

Shropshire First has set up a new website and Facebook page promising a "different way of doing things" and to put "the needs of our community first".

The group's website features a banner headline saying it is 'launching February 2025'.

A community interest company set up called Shropshire First also includes two current north Shropshire Councillors amongst its eight listed officers.

Both councillors are Conservatives - Councillors Stephen Davenport and John Price, who represent St Martin's and Oswestry East respectively. The Shropshire Star understands both have now been suspended by the Conservative group on the council.

A YouTube video set up to launch the party says: "Shropshire First is a new kind of political movement dedicated solely to the needs of our county, free from the constraints of national party agendas.

"We are a team of independent professionals focussed on making a real difference at both town and county levels, ensuring that services like bin collections are reliable, prioritising healthcare accessibility for Shropshire residents.

"Maintaining our roads in good condition, and ensuring that street lights stay on for safety. We believe there is no need or place for party politics when it comes to addressing the practical issued that are affecting our towns and communities

"Instead our focus is always on what matters most to Shropshire residents, ensuring that every decision is made with their best interests at heart. Our goal is simple, to put the people of Shropshire first, rising above the political rhetoric and career ambitions that often overshadow genuine local concerns."

The next Shropshire Council elections are scheduled for May next year, with the authority's current Conservative administration in the midst of tackling a major financial crisis, which has impacted services across the county. 

There are also potential immediate headaches for an administration which currently has 39 of the authority's 74 members, giving it control.

The loss of any councillors to other parties would put its working majority at risk.