[2] It was established in 2004 by Labour councillor Dave Blackwell to campaign for a separate district council for Canvey Island.

[3] Canvey Island became a single civil parish in 1881, replacing 17 former divisions that had existed in broadly the same form since the Norman era.

They argued that the current local government arrangements – which saw more councillors elected to the borough council from the mainland – were unfair to the residents of Canvey Island.

[7] Since its formation the Canvey Island Independent Party has contested elections on a yearly basis, with representation at borough and county council level.

The Canvey Island Independents have been represented continuously on Castle Point Borough Council since their first election in 2004.