Sarthak Kumar

I am standing for election because I believe Unlock Democracy has a vital role to play in renewing trust in politics and making power more accountable, representative and accessible.

I would bring substantial governance and campaigning experience from democratic, membership-led organisations. I currently serve as an elected member of Prospect's National Executive Committee, where I have contributed to the union's strategic direction through the Communications and Campaigns Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, Estate Management Working Group and Industrial Action Committee. This has given me practical experience of financial oversight, risk, organisational strategy, member accountability and constructive challenge.

Prospect's work has reinforced my belief that democracy is not only about elections, but about whether people have a meaningful voice in the institutions that shape their lives. As a union representing civil servants and specialists across the public sector, Prospect has made the case for capable, accountable public institutions that can deliver in the public interest. That perspective feels directly relevant to Unlock Democracy's work on constitutional reform, transparency, devolution and democratic renewal.

I am also on the board of the National Secular Society, a campaigning and public-policy organisation that engages directly with government and Parliament. In that role, I have contributed to strengthening organisational resilience, including leading work on cybersecurity and supporting efforts to expand legacy giving. I would bring that same focus on good governance, practical delivery and long-term sustainability to Unlock Democracy.

At a time when public trust in politics is fragile, democratic reform must feel relevant to people's everyday lives: fair votes, accountable institutions, transparent government, stronger local power and a political system that people can believe belongs to them.

Unlock Democracy should be both radical about reform and serious about delivery. That is the approach I would bring if elected.