Roger Macnair
For over three decades, I have been deeply committed to one guiding principle: democracy thrives when power is placed in the hands of the people, not confined to distant politicians or entrenched interests.
My journey towards democratic reform began 30 years ago and reached a pivotal moment during the 2005 general election, where I championed the cause of Direct Democracy. Throughout my career I've represented the UK at Global Forum For Direct Democracy in Rome and collaborated with influential Members of the European Parliament to organise international conferences focused on democratic reform. These experiences have allowed me to cultivate a remarkable network of organisations and individuals dedicated to advancing democracy.
Last 2 years marked a transformative chapter in my journey
In 2024, I embarked on a comprehensive tour of all 76 UK cities, capturing the authentic voices of citizens regarding democracy, policy and governance. The feedback was unequivocal: people want to actively participate in shaping the policies that affect their lives, rather than being passive recipients of decisions. This clear desire for inclusivity and engagement is the cornerstone of democratic reform.
During this tour, I also assessed the health of rivers in each city, engaging with farmers, anglers and environmental activists. The findings were alarming: our rivers are in crisis and many communities feel powerless to address these challenges. This experience reinforced an essential truth: when people are empowered with genuine democratic participation they become proactive stewards of their own futures.
This, I feel, embodies the essence of Unlock Democracy.
Unlock Democracy believes our political system is fundamentally broken, impeding our ability to tackle pressing issues. Unlock Democracy advocates for a fairer voting system, a reformed second chamber, meaningful devolution and stringent measures against sleaze and cronyism. As part of the joint secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fair Elections, Unlock is committed to fostering a movement that is impossible for policymakers to ignore.
What I bring to Unlock Democracy:
Beyond my extensive experience in democratic reform, I have spent 30 years as a business executive in the technology sector, focusing on cybersecurity and commercial strategy. This background equips me with the skills necessary to deliver results, manage complex projects and develop sustainable solutions—all vital for advancing democratic reform. My network of organisations and individuals in the democracy arena and beyond will be instrumental in enhancing Unlock Democracy's influence, support and funding.
Democracy flourishes when it is both principled and participatory. While representative democracy upholds essential rights and the rule of law, it often becomes disconnected from the everyday concerns of citizens. By integrating participatory elements—such as citizens' assemblies and community decision-making—UK democracy can evolve into a more responsive, dynamic and inclusive system.
Unlock Democracy needs passionate advocates and requires a council that listens, engages and leads with both democratic energy and commercial acumen.
I am standing for election to the Council of Unlock Democracy because I believe in our collective potential to create a vibrant, inclusive democracy. Together, we can unlock a future where power truly resides with us—the people.