Grassroots activism is the foundation for our future elected members

The snap general election created a space for significant change to be realised across the United Kingdom and we will see over the next few months the full consequence of the result. Over the last few election cycles many candidates have contested seats they may have considered ‘safe’ and have had their position either substantially challenged or have lost their seat.

The prime example for everyone this election is East Dunbartonshire where the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson, lost her seat to the newcomer Amy Callaghan of the SNP. Although the defeat for Swinson was quite narrow at 149 votes, this shock blow to the Liberal Democrat’s standing has had a major impact on the party nationally. But locally how did this situation come to fruition?

Across the UK, I believe many have noticed that politics has gradually moved from a noble position where leaders within communities have represented their peers to ‘career politicians’ who have championed causes to benefit their own political careers. These are two very broad types of politicians and the Westminster first past the post system quite often seeks to benefit career politicians with hefty majorities. That is why East Dunbartonshire has come as quite a surprise to many as I believe the tide is turning to advocate for grassroots local politicians to become the real champions of our communities once again.

Callaghan faced a significant battle at the start of the race against a majority of over 5000 votes and the leader of a political party. However, through a coordinated campaign focussed on local engagement including attending various community events, talking face to face with thousands of voters and with the help of a substantial media presence her chances of success grew significantly. I believe it is this type of politician who is local to the area, well-versed in the constituency’s issues and who takes the time to be known locally are who we as voters are looking to represent us in our houses of parliament.

Swinson’s major mistakes such as refusing to attend East Dunbartonshire’s hustings to defend her record as an MP and opting to spearhead her party’s ambitions nationally ultimately played a crucial contribution to her loss. Having a name that is well known is no longer a free pass to re-election. A track record of delivering for your community is required and this is further evidenced by the minimum four impending by-elections due to occur because of the election of Councillors who will now represent their areas as Members of Parliament.

Whatever your political beliefs, I feel inspired by the tide turning in many places in Scotland away from political parties fielding candidates on the basis of their political clout and instead towards grassroots activists determined to give their areas a voice.

This article was originally published in the Scots Independent (Jan 2020)