THE misuse of power has serious consequences for democracy.

Many people will know that I have left the SNP – the party I had been part of for nearly 30 years – due to what I see as a misuse of power.

This party was supposed to be a grassroots party who listened to everyone and made decisions in a democratic way so that everyone was included. Or that was my impression.

My impression is that as soon as power is gained, people who are looking for a career in politics come out of the woodwork, suddenly claiming to believe in everything the party was supposed to stand for.

Some of the things that have been implemented across Glasgow are proof, for me, that power has gone to the heads of those making the decisions – to the point where they no longer consult with communities, as they had promised, and they are just making decisions on their own.

One example of this is the cycle lanes that are popping up all over the place (pictured right), without people talking to the elected representatives of the communities they affect, and without speaking to the people who will be directly affected.

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Another is officers presenting papers in committee meetings, as the conveners of the various departments in the council are also not being given the opportunity to make the decisions as one person is making all of them.

This is not what I signed up for as a councillor.

I stood to be a councillor so I could be a voice for people in our communities who had been disenfranchised for many years by a different party, and who had felt for many years that there was no point in them asking for anything or complaining about anything as no one was listening.

My opinion is that on a local level nothing should be political. People who stand to be local councillors should be community activists, and not people using it as a stepping stone towards trying to become MSPs or MPs.

Being an independent councillor means that I can represent the people of my ward on a more individual level without the confines of a party or politics being in the way.

Anyone who needs to get in touch please do not hesitate as I am still working very hard in my ward and I will continue to do so.

You can email me on Elspeth.kerr@glasgow.gov.uk or phone 07747 108671. You’ll also find me on Twitter – follow me at @ElspethKerrW14 – and on Facebook at ‘Elspeth Kerr for Drumchapel/Anniesland’.