Politicians of all parties are beginning to identify the abuse of the expenses rules as a wider systemic problem which has its roots in the powerlessness the public feels in the face of our over-centralised institutions and political culture. The leaders of the main parties are talking the language of political change, but our democracy belongs to all of us and it cannot be left to politicians in Westminster alone to determine the next stage of reform.

The fact that constitutional reform has proceeded in such a piecemeal fashion points to the lack of consensus between the main parties, and it is unlikely that, on their own, politicians will reach the necessary state of agreement to make real reform possible. A few politicians have recently called for a Constitutional Convention to determine changes to the constitution which have evaded Parliamentary consensus to date. We believe that alongside a number of other reforms, a Convention made up of citizens could help to end the deadlock on a number of constitutional issues, at the same time as putting citizens at the forefront of designing the shape of a constitutional settlement for the next era.

A Citizens’ Convention should be brought together to determine the following issues:

• House of Lords reform
• Parliamentary reform including fixed term Parliaments and strengthening Select Committees and other ways of holding the Executive to greater account
• Funding of political parties
• Changing the voting system to more closely reflect voters’ preferences resulting in a referendum on the day of the next general election
• New routes into politics including primaries and directly elected mayors
• Greater devolution of power, accountability and funding to local government

The moment for seizing the day is upon us. Letting politics slide back into business as usual cannot be allowed to happen. Not everyone will agree with all of the reforms listed above, but individual preferences may have to give way to a package of measures which can form the real change our democracy deserves now. In making these changes we could create a future where power truly resides with the many not the few.

I’m proud to be one of the original launch signatories for Progress’ campaign and I hope to be involved as the campaign develops. I will post details of my involvment as and when it happens on this website. If you’d like to support the campaign or have comments on how our democracy should be reformed for the 21st century, then please do not hesitate to get in contact with me.

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