Ian Driver
Why am I standing?
Against a background of unprecedented political fragmentation, the worrying rise of undemocratic far-right populism, and attacks by current and previous governments upon fundamental human and democratic rights in the UK, the work of Unlock has become critically important.
I am seeking re-election to the Council for another term to support Unlock's invaluable work and to assist in the growth and development of its influence on the future of UK democracy.
I believe in –
A fairer voting system. Voting from 16. A written constitution.
Abolition of the House of Lords its replacement with a democratically elected second chamber
A fair and genuinely democratic transfer of power from national to regional and local government to replace Labour's sham local government reorganisation plans which undermine, rather than enhance, democracy.
Permitting the nations of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to democratically determine, their own futures in or out of the UK, without Westminster interference.
Increased public accountability of national, regional, and local government through the extension and strengthening of Freedom of Information and other laws.
Greater citizen involvement in the formulation of policy and laws at all levels of government through greater public consultation, the establishment of citizens juries.
During the Covid crisis we witnessed the democratic possibilities offered by new communication technologies, as Parliament, regional, and local government embraced virtual, online meetings. As a society we should be investing in these tools to develop a non-London-centric virtual and real-world democracy with increased transparency and accountability and greater opportunities for citizen participation in decision making.
Political Background. I am a member of the Green Party and was the Party's Parliamentary candidate in the South Thanet constituency in 2015. I was a Thanet councillor until 2015. Before that I was a Labour Party member, and a councillor in Southwark. In the 1990s I was a trade union activist and member of my union's (NUPE now UNISON) National Executive.
Campaigning. I am an experienced community campaigner who has been involved in social justice and human rights, animal welfare, environmental and anti-fracking campaigns.
Other. I am am an active blogger focusing on local and national politics Here's the link to my site https://www.iandriver.org/. In the coming weeks and months I will be moving towards a video-based platform.
I am a carer for my disabled daughter and a campaigner for disability and carer's rights