Describe your idea:
A CMS/Blogging Tool which provides all the online tools and advice needed to stand for election and to communicate with voters/constituents (e.g., pay your deposit, create your manifesto,seek constituents views). It could link to other MySociety resources to provide an integrated platform for political interaction.
What problem does it solve?:
Almost all MPs are elected through a political party, and it is impractical for independents to stand. A web-based tool like this would make it much more practical for independent candidates to create and maintain an online presence.
Dependence on the party apparatus for communications can make it harder for MPs/candidates to represent and communicate with their constituents; the party line might prevent them for doing the right thing. A free alternative might undermine this potentially unhealthy influence.
Once elected MPs could use blogs and polling tools and forums to stay in touch with their constituents, and this would also help the public hold politicians to account.
Type of idea: A brand new project
RSS feed
August 12th, 2009 at 10:54am
I think the ME MP project would be an invaluable tool for independent politicians. I am currently a researcher for East Herts People, a local organisation that supports Independent Councillors and Independent Candidates in local elections.
We know from direct experience that it is extremely difficult to raise the profile of Independent candidates in local elections; leaflet drops and canvassing are no longer effective methods of campaigning. I think that ME MP is urgently needed and would be a great resource to Independent candidates.
It would be great if this idea could be extended to local government. How about ME Cllr? Many people are people off standing as an Independent as they are aware that they won’t have a support of a party. A resource similar to Me MP for local gov would greatly help Independent Candidates.
August 31st, 2009 at 6:49pm
I like this idea,
Although im a member of a political party I do know that there are many indepdent candidates who have a lot of skills, knowledge etc that would benefit a community in an elected representative manner.
I think this really would improve the offerings in some areas.
September 6th, 2009 at 7:27pm
I’m convinced this is the optimal idea for a website. I’ve been nursing it myself for a couple of years but now is the moment to do it. A ‘perfect storm’ of circumstances. Tom please contact me [john@partypooper.org.uk]to see if we can join forces and work together – hopefully with mysociety.