What a democratic revolution in the Somerset town of Frome could teach our political class - Comment - Voices - The Independent
Following of from that, the book 'Flatpack Democracy' came out:
Flatpack Democracy - a DIY Guide to Creating Local Politics.
Britain today has a dysfunctional political system. Many politicians are making decisions to meet their own needs or those of their Party, not the needs of the people they serve.
This DIY guide is based on what is happening in Frome, Somerset where after years of missed opportunities, a group of local residents took control of their town council and set about making politics relevant, effective and fun.
'Flatpack Democracy' is both the story of what happened and an instruction manual for taking political power at a local level, then using it to enable people to have a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives.
Flatpack Democracy: A Guide to Creating Independent Politics: Amazon.co.uk: Peter Macfadyen: 9781899233229: Books
It was greatly praised on the Transition Network:
10 Tips for Revitalising Local Democracy
Peter MacFadyen is a founder of Sustainable Frome (a Transition initiative) and Director of Frome's new Renewable Energy Co-op.
He has worked with Comic Relief for 20 years, and was part of a group of Independents who, as Independents for Frome, ran for the town council and got in, a tale documented in his new book, Flatpack Democracy.
Over this month, we'll be posting his 10 Tips for Reinventing Local Democracy.
List of Tips
1. Celebrate!
2. Participate!
3. Engage!
6. Food!
9. Laughter!
10. Revolution!
These are the latest entries from the writer Peter MacFadyen's book:
Flatpack Democracy
A DIY guide to creating independent politics
by Peter Macfadyen: out now!
by Peter Macfadyen: out now!
Vote for chaos.
(A guest blog from ifF colleague Toby Eliot – with few editorial tweaks…)
In the run up to this year’s general election I’m hearing, with increasing frequency, the message that, at all costs, we must avoid the chaos of coalition. On the face of it that sounds sensible but my growing frustration is the assumption that certain electoral results would lead to chaos. Surely those elected should get on with delivering consensus government?
I watched the Sunday Politics on BBC1 this week (something I normally try not to do) and the ‘avoid chaos’ message came across in two different debates.
In the local section of the programme a parliamentary candidate from a mainstream party responded to a question about more independents being a good thing by saying that unless you had recognised groups, at all levels of government, to pass budgets you’d get chaos. Read More
Dysfunctional democracy 3.
I have spoken quite a bit recently about the root causes of apathy and cynicism around our so called democracy. Perfectly illustrated at the first hustings event in Frome on Sunday.
Faced with our main choice of David, David or David to replace the retiring David (with Green Theo and UKIP Alan as alternatives in policy if not in name), the proceedings quickly hit a massive structural problem: Candidates are selected by their political parties and campaign around the party agreed manifesto (set of plans and promises). BUT, the Tory candidate is clear he will vote for what he feels is best for Frome and defy the party whips…. and the Lib Dem points out that in a coalition you have to compromise, so they can’t promise to deliver on anything! So ultimately the manifesto is worthless, making them effectively able to support whatever policy they feel like in reality, while also wheeling in the party faithful….. The other candidates can make any promises they like as they won’t be elected anyway.
Party candidates – at all levels – are entwined with this deep structural flaw. I believe it is part of what confuses potential voters – and turns them off engagement. Only an Independent, clear who they are and what they offer can surmount this.
Home - Flatpack Democracy
And if you liked that, you might like these, both by Peter Oborne:
Lies, damned lies and politics - Telegraph
The Establishment is dead. But something worse has replaced it - The Spectator
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