IN her letter ‘What are policies?’ Sue Buxton admits to having had difficulties in replying to questions about the Devizes Guardians.
I can understand her problem. She could hardly give the simplest explanation: “They are the group who have beaten all Labour candidates in every contested local election for the last 12 years.”
She then questions why the Guardians exist as a political party while claiming to be non-political. An enigma: But not a difficult one. 
She will be aware that the rules of the Electoral Commission require any group which seeks election under a common name or symbol to register and to meet the same rules as the major national parties. This includes a requirement to make an annual return of receipts of fees and donations, which we do, undoubtedly with greater honesty than some larger bodies.
She asks how, we can claim to be ‘non-political’? Again, not an extremely testing puzzle. Our membership and supporters comprise people of widely differing opinions in national matters who agree to work together for the common local good. The Guardians’ position might be better described as ‘apolitical.’
Town and parish councillors receive no financial reward for their work. However, the freedom of those who represent national parties may be constrained by pressure from above in the hope of political advancement or recognition. The Guardian member can entertain no such hope or ambition, other than the approval of the local electorate.
She then goes on to ask about our policies. In every local government election for the past 15 years every voting household in the town, including Mrs Buxton’s, will have received a leaflet from one of our candidates fully explaining that 
position. So, is her ignorance real or feigned? If the latter: Why? If the former – oh dear!
TONY DUCK
Founder member
Devizes Guardians