I never intended to work for the Open Party. I interviewed for a PA role with Richard, the Party Leader. I didn’t get that job, but the conversation opened the door to something much more exciting. Richard got back in touch a few months later and offered me a role in the Open Party.

A Career Dedicated to Empowering People

My career has been varied, some might say scattered, but it’s always centred on one thing: empowering people. I’ve taught self-expression through language acquisition, managed housing for looked-after-children and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to secure their basic rights, and supported clients in overcoming physical and mental health challenges through Systematic Kinesiology.

So when Richard asked if I’d join the mission to fix democracy by opening politics to the many, not the few, I jumped at the chance.

Building a New Political Movement from Scratch

The first few weeks were overwhelming. We were a tiny team with a huge vision, literally building everything from scratch: cookie policies, candidate application forms, privacy notices, and party rules. It felt chaotic, but what kept me grounded was my belief in the Open Party’s mission to address current failings in the democratic process by tapping into the wealth of talent and experience of the many, not just the few. I’d long felt the state of party politics was deeply broken, and finally, there was a way forward that I could commit to and be a part of.

The Role of an Open Party Candidate Liaison Officer

My role is Candidate Liaison Officer; this means supporting anyone interested in standing as a candidate and supporting them throughout the journey.

Attracting candidates when no one has heard of your Party is not easy.

Throughout the dark nights of November & December, Richard and I travelled to and from candidate information event after event in the constituency of Newport Islwyn. The rooms were often quiet. Despite the low volumes, everyone who did attend was incredibly positive and engaged in the objectives to open up politics to the general public. Throughout the dark and rain, I remained optimistic.

Success in Newport Islwyn and Beyond

That faith has been repaid. We now have our candidates: a diverse and compelling pair of individuals, each bringing distinct strengths to public life. Without this opportunity, neither would have been participating.

Throughout my journey so far, I have felt deeply inspired by the people I’ve met in Wales: their heartfelt honesty, their openness to exploring new ideas and how to address the seemingly insurmountable sense of feeling politically homeless.

An Invitation to the Political Table

And this is where the Open Party steps in – not with rigid ideologies, a one-size-fits-all manifesto, but an invitation for everyone to the table. A chance for the public to step forward as candidates, and the public to choose candidates who reflect their priorities. It’s messy, it’s grassroots and hugely empowering.