How to stand

The Open Party provides all the support one would expect from a traditional political party, but without the catch.  You are standing on your own platform, not selling a party’s manifesto.  You can say what you believe and advance the issues that are important to you and your constituents.

We are open to everyone: left/right, green/brown, in/out.  We believe that success comes from differing perspectives talking it out, not from people all singing the same tune.

We will finance 100% of your Senedd election campaign.  A typical candidate’s campaign is currently around £12,000.  We will also provide the advice and campaign support you need to compete with the big parties.  You will be looked after.  Other Open Party candidates and supporters will be there to leaflet, canvas and campaign for you.  If elected, we will help you hit the ground running as an effective and active MS.

The primary elections run February to March.  During these, you will be answering voters’ questions, attending webinars and hustings, plus meeting the public.

However, the time commitment has been deliberately designed to be manageable for someone working full-time.  It should be possible to fulfil commitments around a typical 9-5 working week and most events will be in evenings or weekends.

If the public select you as one of the six Open Party candidates for the Senedd election, then the commitment will increase.  The Senedd election campaign runs from late March to election day, which is 7th May.  You will have lots of support from us, but you should expect to be engaged in campaigning 8 – 16 hours per week during the 6-week campaign.

And if you are elected?  Well, perhaps draft that resignation letter.

We believe that free speech is a critical element of democracy.  We don’t believe the solution to offence lies in speech control, rather that everyone should self-regulate by acting with both respect and tolerance for others.

Within reason, as a candidate you are free to speak and act as you see fit.  ‘Reason’ essentially means that you operate within applicable law and regulations, you treat others with respect and consideration, and you do not bring the Open Party into disrepute.

The deadline for applications is 31st January 2026.

If you are interested in standing, please

1. Get in contact – we are here to answer your queries and help you
2. Attend an information event – Events
3. Advise us of your intention to stand
4. Prepare your primary election materials – answers to voter questions, your election pages, etc.  We will explain more about these in our initial conversations
5. Submit your application form

We are here to help and have a dedicated Candidate Liaison Officer.  Please get in contact at any time.  Email: [email protected]

Please join us for one of our information events.  We have weekend and evening online webinars.  There is no commitment.  Please attend – who knows where it might lead?