It was officially registered in 2005, having already successfully campaigned for the election of Tony Egginton as Mayor of Mansfield two years earlier.

[3] Egginton had stood for election after being convinced to do so by the leader of the pro-Mayoralty campaign, Stewart Rickersey.

On 25 October 2024, three long standing members defected to Reform UK, marking a new political group on the council.

[8] Egginton formed his Cabinet mostly of MIF members including Rickersey as Portfolio Holder for Corporate Issues.

Fellow Mansfield Independent Kate Allsop was elected as Executive Mayor to succeed Egginton following his retirement in 2015.