In 2018 a small group of residents founded the Harlow Alliance Party (HAP) to represent residents who felt that the traditional political parties no longer did so.  Since then HAP has grown in stature and is recognised across the town as an independent voice, campaigning on a number of issues affecting where residents live and work.

In the next two years changes will be made to the way that Local Government services are provided in Essex, changes which are the biggest since 1974. Harlow Council will disappear, merging with other councils as far away as Uttlesford and even Maldon to form a huge new Unitary Authority. The other councils merged with Harlow have Town and Parish Councils which provide a local, independent voice for residents. Harlow does not of course have any such councils.

Going Forward

The new Harlow Residents Alliance (HRA) will provide a voice for residents in Harlow, one which is not tied to the politics of Westminster. The council at Uttlesford is controlled by Residents for Uttlesford, Loughton Town Council is controlled by the Independent Loughton Residents Association and in Maldon, the council is controlled by the Maldon District Independent Group.  Across Essex dozens of Parish Councils are controlled by Independent Councillors, all working hard for their Towns and Villages. HRA candidates undertake to do the same when elected in the future.

A new name – but the same message

We believe that on local issues, locals should make decisions without national political party influence and we will continue to represent Harlow residents and ask our locally elected councillors the tough questions.