Standing for election doesn’t mean standing alone

Running for election can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. But at The Open Party, we believe that politics should be open to everyone, not just those with party machines behind them.

When you stand with The Open Party, you’re not just running a campaign, you’re leading a community conversation about what matters most to the people around you. And you won’t be doing it alone.

We provide guidance, practical support, and encouragement every step of the way to help you campaign with confidence and authenticity.

What it means to be a community candidate

A community candidate is exactly what it sounds like, someone who stands because they care about their area, not because they want to climb a political ladder. You may be a teacher, business owner, student, nurse, carer, or volunteer. What matters is your connection to the people you hope to represent.

Community candidates speak from real experience. They understand local issues first-hand and have genuine insight into the daily challenges facing families, workers, and small businesses.

When you campaign as a community candidate, you’re showing that politics can be personal, local, and human again.

Support from The Open Party

Standing for election through The Open Party doesn’t mean navigating everything on your own. We’re here to make sure you feel supported and informed throughout your campaign. You’ll receive:

• Advice on communicating your ideas clearly – Learn how to express your priorities in a way that resonates with voters and reflects your personality. We’ll help you tell your story with confidence and clarity.
• Guidance on engaging with voters and local media – Discover how to connect with your community, organise meetings, and handle interviews or public discussions with ease.
• Help navigating the nomination process – Get step-by-step support with official paperwork and election rules so you can focus on sharing your message, not worrying about red tape.
• Access to campaign resources – From templates and branding to social media tips and design assets, we’ll help you present a professional, trustworthy campaign.

Our goal isn’t to control what you say, it’s to help you say it well.

Campaigning that reflects you

Every community candidate brings something unique, different perspectives, skills, and life stories. That’s why we encourage you to campaign in a way that reflects you.

Your campaign should feel natural and authentic, grounded in the experiences that make you who you are. Whether you prefer to connect through local events, social media, or conversations on doorsteps, the most important thing is staying true to your values and the people you represent.

The Open Party doesn’t issue scripts or policy lines. We believe in independent thinking and honest speech. We’ll never tell you what to think or what to say. Instead, we’ll help you share your voice confidently and effectively.

How to build a grassroots campaign

Grassroots campaigning is about starting small and building genuine connections. It’s not about flashy slogans or expensive advertising, it’s about listening, learning, and leading with integrity. Here are a few ways community candidates can make an impact:

• Start conversations – Listen to residents about what’s working and what isn’t. Show that you value their views.
• Be visible locally – Attend events, support local groups, and show up in the places where people gather.
• Use clear communication – Keep messages simple and genuine. Speak about real issues that matter to real people.
• Stay authentic online – Use social media to share updates, thank supporters, and engage in discussion — not to broadcast slogans.
• Collaborate, don’t compete – Work with others who share your goals, even across party lines, to get things done.

Grassroots campaigning builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any meaningful political movement.

Building confidence along the way

Many first-time candidates worry that they don’t know enough about “politics.” The truth is, most voters don’t want professional politicians, they want real people who care.

That’s why The Open Party offers workshops and mentoring opportunities to help candidates grow their confidence and communication skills. You’ll learn everything you need to know about running an effective campaign, managing public events, and presenting your ideas in debates or interviews.

We’re not here to make you into a polished politician, we’re here to help you be the best version of yourself in public life.

Why community campaigns matter

When candidates campaign locally and authentically, communities respond. People are more likely to engage, ask questions, and feel that their voices truly matter. Community campaigns strengthen democracy by:

• Making politics more accessible to ordinary people
• Encouraging local participation and pride
• Building trust between voters and representatives
• Reconnecting politics with real-life experience

In short, they make democracy feel human again.

A movement rooted in people

The Open Party was created to make politics more open, inclusive, and accountable. Our aim is simple: to find and support the best people to represent their communities, people with integrity, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others. When you campaign as a community candidate, you become part of that mission. You’ll show that good leadership comes from character, not career ambition.

Ready to get started?

If you’ve been thinking about making a difference in your area, now is the time to act.

1. Apply to stand as a candidate in the Casnewydd Islwyn open primary.
2. Connect with The Open Party team to receive guidance and resources for your campaign.
3. Share your story and inspire others to believe that politics can be open and hopeful again.

Politics should reflect the people it serves. With The Open Party’s support, you can stand up, speak out, and represent your community with confidence.

Start your journey today at openparty.uk.

A proud Welsh community leading the way

In South East Wales, Casnewydd Islwyn is a proud, resilient community now making history as the first in Wales to host The Open Party’s open primary elections, giving every voter a say in who represents them in the 2026 Senedd election.

Where is Casnewydd Islwyn?

Located in South East Wales, Casnewydd Islwyn spans urban, suburban, and rural areas. Formed under the new 2026 Senedd election boundaries, it unites areas from the former Newport West, Newport East, and Islwyn constituencies, a landscape shaped by industry, heritage, and strong community spirit.

A community with deep political roots

This area’s role in the Chartist movement was pivotal, as it was the site of the Newport Rising in 1839, the last large-scale armed rebellion against authority in mainland Britain. This event marked the physical force wing of Chartism’s most significant challenge and became a defining moment in the history of British democracy and working-class struggle.

In November 1839, thousands of working people, primarily coal miners and ironworkers from the South Wales Valleys, marched overnight through heavy rain to Newport. They were led by local Chartist leaders John Frost, Zephaniah Williams, and William Jones.  The main objectives of the march were:

• To protest against poor living and working conditions.
• To demand the implementation of the six points of the People’s Charter, which included universal male suffrage, a secret ballot, and payment for MPs.
• To liberate fellow Chartists who were being held prisoner at the Westgate Hotel in central Newport.

Upon arrival at the Westgate Hotel, a confrontation ensued with soldiers of the 45th Regiment of Foot and special constables who were waiting inside. A brief, bloody battle followed, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 Chartists and numerous injuries. The superior firepower and discipline of the soldiers quickly dispersed the crowd.

The Chartist movement in Wales left a significant and enduring legacy, primarily by acting as a crucible for working-class political consciousness and providing the foundations for future democratic reforms. While the movement did not achieve its immediate aims during its peak, most of its demands were eventually written into law decades later.

You can find out more about these events and the aftermath at https://www.newport.gov.uk/our-city/our-history-0

Why Casnewydd Islwyn was chosen

Aside from the significant role the area has played in politics historically, The Open Party chose Casnewydd Islwyn to launch its open primary pilot because it reflects the balance of modern Wales, rich traditions, strong communities, and a readiness for change.

With active towns, proud local networks, and a spirit of innovation, it’s the ideal place to test a new kind of democracy where voters, not parties, choose who stands for election.

Casnewydd Islwyn and the Senedd

Casnewydd Islwyn is notable in terms of Welsh democracy as it is one of the new, larger “super constituencies” created as part of the significant Senedd electoral reform for the 2026 election. This reform is the most substantial change to the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) in 25 years and impacts the very structure of Welsh representation.  There is more on these changes to Welsh democracy in a separate article.

A microcosm of Wales

Casnewydd Islwyn mirrors the challenges and opportunities of modern Wales, from economic change to the need for strong public services.  It’s also a hub of innovation and optimism, where communities and small businesses are shaping the future from the ground up.  Starting here allows The Open Party to test a model of democracy that’s practical, open, and rooted in real life.

Looking ahead

As Wales heads toward the 2026 Senedd election, Casnewydd Islwyn will lead the way in showing how politics can evolve.  Lessons from this pilot will shape a blueprint for open primaries across Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom, making democracy more open and accountable.  Those who take part will help create history, building a fairer, community-driven future for Welsh politics.

How you can get involved

If you live in or near Casnewydd Islwyn, you can help shape this new chapter in Welsh politics:

• Register at openparty.uk
• Learn about the shortlisted candidates
• Join local Q&A events
• Vote for who best represents your area

Every conversation and every vote helps build a more open democracy.

Casnewydd Islwyn: Where change begins

Casnewydd Islwyn is more than a constituency, it’s the birthplace of a movement to make democracy open, honest, and inclusive again.  From its proud industrial heritage to its forward-looking communities, this area is proving that when you trust people to take part, democracy grows stronger.

Change starts here, in Casnewydd Islwyn.

Be part of it. Register now at openparty.uk to take part in the first open primary in Wales and help shape the future of democracy.

A new era for Welsh politics

The 2026 Senedd election will mark a turning point for Welsh democracy.  Not only will voters choose who represents them in the Welsh Parliament, but they’ll also experience one of the biggest changes to the electoral system since devolution began.

For the first time, The Open Party will pilot its open primary election in Casnewydd Islwyn, a new model designed to put more power in voters’ hands and bring honesty, accountability, and community-led representation back to politics.

Here’s what you need to know about how the 2026 Senedd elections will work, what’s changing, and how you can take part.

Understanding the Senedd

The Senedd, also known as the Welsh Parliament, is where decisions are made about many of the issues that affect daily life in Wales. These include:

• Health and the NHS in Wales
• Education and schools
• Transport and infrastructure
• Environment and climate policy
• Housing and planning

Members of the Senedd (MSs) represent the people of Wales and hold the Welsh Government to account.  In 2026, there will be more MSs, new constituency boundaries, and a different way of voting, designed to make the system fairer and more representative.

What’s changing in 2026

The 2026 election will introduce major reforms agreed by the Senedd in 2023. These changes aim to modernise Welsh democracy and ensure every vote counts more equally.

• More members of the Senedd – the number of MSs will rise from 60 to 96, giving Wales better representation and more capacity to handle the growing responsibilities of devolved governments.
• New constituencies – the current 40 constituencies and five regions will be replaced by 16 larger constituencies, each electing six Members of the Senedd.
• A new voting system – the old “first-past-the-post” and “regional list” system will be replaced by proportional representation.  Voters will now choose from a list of candidates using the closed list system, which is designed to make the Senedd’s makeup more closely reflect the total votes cast.  A closed list is a voting system where you vote for a party, and the party decides the order of its candidates. The candidates are elected in that order, depending on how many seats the party wins.

These reforms are designed to create a more balanced parliament, one that better represents the political views of people across Wales.

The Open Party’s role in 2026

While the electoral system itself is changing, The Open Party is going a step further by changing how candidates are chosen.

In Casnewydd Islwyn, The Open Party will run the first open primary election in Wales. This means every registered voter in the area, not just party members, will have a say in who stands for election under The Open Party banner.

The process is simple:

• Applications open for anyone who wants to stand.
• Shortlisted candidates share their priorities and ideas with the public.
• Every registered voter in the constituency votes for their preferred candidate.

The winner becomes The Open Party’s official representative for the Senedd 2026 election.

It’s democracy before the election, not just on election day.

Why this matters

Many people report feeling disillusioned with politics. Safe seats, low turnout, and a lack of genuine choice have made voters feel their voices no longer matter.  The Open Party is changing that. By giving everyone in Casnewydd Islwyn the chance to help choose their candidate, we’re restoring the connection between the public and those who represent them.

The open primary creates:

• Fairer representation – Candidates chosen by the people, not by party insiders.
• More trust – Openness encourages honesty and transparency.
• Real accountability – Representatives answer directly to voters.

It’s an experiment that could redefine how politics works in Wales, and beyond.

What it means for voters

If you live in or around Casnewydd Islwyn, you’ll have two opportunities to take part in shaping the future of Welsh politics:

• Before the election – Take part in The Open Party’s open primary to choose your preferred candidate.
• On election day – Vote in the 2026 Senedd election to decide who represents your constituency and your country.

Every vote in both stages will help strengthen democracy in Wales.

How to get involved

Here’s how you can take part:

• Register to vote in the open primary at openparty.uk
• Read about the candidates once the shortlist is announced
• Ask questions at local Q&A sessions or community events
• Vote for the person you believe best represents your community

Your participation doesn’t just choose a candidate, it helps build a better, fairer, and more open model of politics for the future.

The 2026 Election: A moment of opportunity

The Senedd 2026 election isn’t just another vote, it’s a chance to reshape democracy for a new generation.  With new boundaries, new rules, and new ways to take part, Wales is leading the way in creating a more inclusive political system.

And in Casnewydd Islwyn, The Open Party is proving that when you trust people to take part, democracy becomes stronger.

Be part of it.  Register now at openparty.uk to take part in the open primary pilot, and help make the 2026 Senedd election the most open and accountable in Welsh history.

Standing for election in Wales, made simple

For too long, standing for election has seemed like something only politicians do.  In reality, anyone with integrity, experience, and a desire to help their community can stand, and The Open Party is making that easier than ever.

If you’ve ever looked at the state of politics and thought, “I could do better than that,” then this is your opportunity to prove it.

The 2026 Senedd election will be your chance to step forward, represent your community, and show that democracy can work differently, starting in Casnewydd Islwyn, the first area in Wales to pilot The Open Party’s open primary elections.

Why stand for election in Wales?

Wales needs more representatives who understand real life, people who’ve run businesses, worked in public services, cared for others, raised families, and supported their communities.  Politics doesn’t improve when the same small group of insiders stays in charge.  It improves when people with practical experience, empathy, and commitment step forward.

Standing for election gives you the chance to:

• Represent your community’s real priorities.
• Bring honesty and fresh thinking to the Senedd.
• Rebuild trust between politics and the public.
• Inspire others to believe they can make a difference too.

You don’t need to be a career politician. You just need the courage to care, and to act.

Who can stand for election in Wales?

To stand as a candidate in Wales for the Senedd 2026 election, you must:

• Be 18+
• Live in Wales
• Not be disqualified from standing (for example, because of certain public office roles or bankruptcy restrictions).

For decades to have any realistic chance of being elected you also have to be a political party member. Not anymore. The Open Party make standing competitively in elections open to everyone.

How the Open Party makes it practical for everyone to stand

The Open Party provides the support and backing of a political party, but we don’t mind what your politics are. Left, Right, In, Out, Green, Brown, Independence, etc. We don’t mind – because we are not choosing you – the public are.

We run primary elections where the public select their favourite candidates, and these become the Open Party candidates for the Senedd elections. The Open Party encourages people from all backgrounds to apply, whether you’re self-employed, retired, a student, or a stay-at-home parent. Your insight matters.

It’s democracy at its most open and inclusive.

The step-by-step process

Standing as a candidate with The Open Party is simple and transparent:

1. Submit your application (closes January)
Applications open ahead of each election cycle. For the 2026 Senedd election, you can now apply to represent Casnewydd Islwyn, the first pilot area in Wales.  Visit openparty.uk to find out more and submit your application.

2. Take part in the Open Party primary election
Stand alongside other candidates.  Take part in “Question Time”-style debates, webinars, and public “meet the candidates” coffee mornings.

Every registered voter in Casnewydd Islwyn gets to vote for their preferred candidate. The candidates with the most support become The Open Party’s official representatives in the 2026 Senedd election.

3. Campaign in the Senedd elections
The Open Party provides all the support that a traditional party would, but you stand on your agenda, not ours. If selected, you’ll receive support and guidance from The Open Party on PR, graphic design, legal advice, campaigning, etc. Plus a national umbrella brand.

Standing for election doesn’t mean standing alone.

Campaigning as a community candidate

When you campaign with The Open Party, you’ll do it your way, reflecting your values, your experience, and your community.

We’ll help you:

• Communicate clearly about your ideas and priorities.
• Engage effectively with voters and local media.
• Understand the election rules and paperwork.
• Build confidence in sharing your story publicly.

We don’t tell candidates what to think or say, we help them find their voice and use it confidently.

Accountability at the heart

Every Open Party MS, MP, or MSP faces public reselection before each election. That means your position is earned, not guaranteed.  Accountability isn’t a slogan for us, it’s built into the system. Representatives must continue to engage with their communities, listen to feedback, and remain true to their values.  It’s how we make sure politics always serves the people, not the other way around.

Why now?

The 2026 Senedd election will introduce major reforms to Wales’s electoral system, more Members of the Senedd, new constituencies, and a proportional voting system.  It’s the perfect moment to rethink how we choose our representatives too.

Casnewydd Islwyn will lead the way as the first constituency in Wales to test this open, accountable model of candidate selection, one that could shape the future of democracy across the UK.

How to apply

If you’re ready to make a difference, now’s the time to act.

• Visit openparty.uk to submit your application.
• Join a movement that’s putting honesty, fairness, and community first.