E-Democracy

I have always been a keen supporter of using technology to keep in touch with my constituents and hear your views.  For several years I ran email and text consultations and you can find the archive of the questions I asked and my response to the answers people gave me here.

Since joining the government the way I am able to influence policy and act on the things which matter to you, my constituents, has changed.  I am also therefore changing the way I communicate with you by email!

I have begun sending out a regular email newsletter which explains what I am doing in Westminster and beyond and how I am working hard on behalf of Thornbury and Yate. 

You can read the latest edition here.  I'm always keen to receive your views and I read every reply to my newsletters.

Support for my e-democracy initiatives!

My consultation process has been praised in an independent analysis by Nigel Jackson, an academic from Bournemouth University. He found that the process is an effective communication tool and helps to build strong relationships with constituents.  Click here for more information and to read the analysis.

These are some of the comments I have received in response to my experiments in e-democracy:

* "I think it's great that you are pioneering democracy via email."

* "It's terrific to have an MP who is so involved with the real concerns of the constituents and who makes himself so available to them."

* "I find it highly encouraging that you take the time and effort to reply on findings within your survey. All too often we fill in surveys only to find that no-one takes any notice. Keep up the tremendous work."

* "I feel that it is both admirable and to be encouraged, indeed it is the only way forward if politicians intend to genuinely engage with the communities they purport to represent."

In 2005, I won the prestigious Hansard Society award for the politician who has made best use of new technology to encourage participation in politics. Click here to find out more.