[Gayle]

I had a big debate about the self same issue - apparently it's called totalitarianism and apparently it doesn't work.

It's human nature to form bonds and coalitions, so there would be no such thing as an independent MP because they'd always need support and teams to get anything done.

When I was standing for council I did consider (for a very brief short second) standing as an independent. But, as it was pointed out to me, I would never be in the ruling party and I would never be able to contribute to major decisions.