The Failsworth Independent Party (FIP) is a local political party based in Failsworth, Greater Manchester, England. The party was founded in 2019 and has since been elected to Oldham Council.
History The party is led by pub landlord Brian Hobin. They supported community initiatives to help residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The party first contested the 2021 election for Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council. In the election the Labour leader of Oldham Council Sean Fielding was unseated by FIP candidate Mark Wilkinson. Despite this the Labour Party regained control of the council. In 2021, charity worker Raja Miah was associated with both the Failsworth Independent Party and Proud of Oldham and Saddleworth. In 2022, the party was named in a report published by Hope Not Hate. In 2023, the party leadership was reportedly involved in infighting after a selection dispute. Mark Wilkinson stood as independent candidate after not being selected. In 2024, the party lost a seat in Failsworth East to Labour. In 2025, Wilkinson defected to Reform UK. In May 2025, Brian Hobin was nominated as the boroughs first independent deputy mayor. In the 2026 election, the party lost Failsworth East to Reform UK.
Policies The party argued for "cash rebates" to help families in the cost-of-living crisis. In 2022, the party issued a clarification after FIP councillors accidentally "voted the wrong way" on changes to the Clean Air Zone (CAZ).
Councillors NameWardTermBrian HobinFailsworth EastNeil HindleFailsworth EastUntil 2026
Electoral history +ElectionVotes% votesSeats20213,2375.2320222,8925.1520233,0962.1320241,0051.7220266350.81
References
See also
List of political parties in the United Kingdom