Deborah Manzoori
Hope is still alive that we can change democracy for the better. The work of Unlock Democracy is vital in raising awareness, challenging complacency, and campaigning for meaningful democratic reform. My vote has never elected an MP or a local councillor because of the First Past the Post system. Like many people, I know what it is like to cast a vote that makes no difference to the outcome. I still hope to see the day when every vote truly counts, and I am grateful to Unlock Democracy for keeping that hope alive.
I am a retired Licensed Insolvency Practitioner and former member of the Board of the Insolvency Practitioners Association, the profession's regulatory body. Throughout my career, I worked extensively with government departments and contributed to consultations on proposed changes in legislation and regulation. This experience gave me a practical understanding of how public policy is developed and how important effective scrutiny and accountability are to good governance.
I hold three BA (Hons) degrees, including one in Politics and Government. I have lived and worked in the United Kingdom, India and Singapore, giving me the opportunity to observe different electoral systems and democratic structures in practice. I have seen examples of both effective democratic engagement and serious shortcomings, reinforcing my belief that democratic institutions must continually evolve and improve.
Today, I volunteer three days each week with a church group supporting vulnerable older and disabled adults. This work keeps me grounded in the realities faced by many people whose voices are too often overlooked in political decision-making.
I want to see every vote count. It is not good enough that MPs and councillors can be elected by a minority of voters. It is not good enough that the United Kingdom still lacks both an elected second chamber and a written constitution. Our system of government can no longer rely on conventions and assumptions developed in a different age. Democracy should be transparent, accountable, representative and fit for the twenty-first century.
I have never been a member of a political party or a trade union. While I have often voted tactically, my commitment has always been to democratic reform rather than party politics. I believe Unlock Democracy is at its strongest when it brings together people from different political backgrounds who share a commitment to improving our democratic system.
I hope that my professional experience, international perspective, and commitment to public service will enable me to make a positive contribution to the Council and support Unlock Democracy's important work in the years ahead.