THE Independent Health Concern party has announced they will be "retiring" from the political fray with "heads held high."

The Wyre Forest party confirmed they will be withdrawing from promoting candidates in future elections to "unify the independent vote." 

The party currently has eight councillors on Wyre Forest District Council as part of the progressive alliance. 

The political party was founded at the turn of the century, campaigning to restore the A&E unit to Kidderminster Hospital. 

In a statement, the party said they have achieved many of their initial aims, but "change had to come inevitably."

"Now is the time to unify the independent vote so that all such candidates can fight together under one independent banner to represent voters," the statement said. 

"Independent Health Concern will therefore withdraw from promoting candidates in future elections - while still supporting its serving I.H.C. councillors as these individuals become part of a larger truly independent group.

"This is not done with a heavy heart; indeed, we are pleased and proud of the trust which has been placed in us by so many and in all that we have achieved during the past twenty-two years.

"We ask those who have been our supporters for so long to give their local independent candidate their serious consideration in future elections when they cast their vote".

Notably, Dr Richard Taylor, life president of the party, was elected as Wyre Forest MP as an independent for two terms between 2001 and 2010.

Dr Richard Taylor described the decision as "retiring from the fray with heads held high."

He said: "We've decided it's time to call it a day."

He hopes Health Concern councillors will now go on to be a part of a strong independent group on various councils. 

He added: "It's a time for rejoicing - we've done what we've set out to do".