A new political party, with a mission to “open up politics to everyone”, has launched in Wales and is inviting members of the public to stand as candidates in the Casnewydd Islwyn constituency in May’s Senedd election.
The Open Party aims to shake up the political system and address voter apathy by doing things differently, and it is piloting its approach in the new six-seat South-East Wales super constituency.
The Open Party is not formed around a particular political ideology. Candidates stand on their own opinions and agenda.
Richard Hadwin, the Open Party leader, explains: “To tackle the country’s overwhelming problems, we need more talent.
“Only 1.5% of the population are political party members, yet we source all our political leaders from this tiny pool. Since the formation of the Senedd in 1999, there has only been one MS elected who was not a party member.
“The fact is, we are fishing for our leaders in a political puddle, when there is an ocean of talent and experience waiting in the wider society. We have got to start rolling up our sleeves and stepping forward ourselves. Newport’s historic role in the Chartist movement reminds us that democracy thrives when ordinary people step forward.”
The Open Party strap line is “Our democracy, made better” and, together with opening up politics, it wants to improve democracy across the board through the following measures:
- No party whip – MSs are free to vote and speak independently.
- Objective reporting on MS performance
- Public primary reselections before each election
The party will run public ‘primary elections’ in January when the voters of Casnewydd Islwyn will be invited to choose which Open Party candidates go forward to the Senedd election.
Applications to stand as an Open Party candidate are still open and anyone legally eligible can apply, including people living outside the constituency.
Everyone is invited to their upcoming information evenings:
Saturday December 6: 10am-12.30pm: Lysaght Institute, Newport
Monday December 8: 1.30pm-2.30pm: Webinar
Residents can also play a central role in the process by:
- Registering to vote in the primary elections
- Submitting questions for the candidates
To get involved and learn more, please visit openparty.uk
Promoted by the Open Party, Distil, Kilver Ct Shepton Mallet, BA4 5NF.