Getting a Community Independent elected is just the beginning. Now the community needs to stay engaged, committed and active. If the community is guiding their MP, this will result in better policy, and the MP has a greater chance of success. Putting community at the centre of politics will lead to better government and better governance.

Community Independents make a compact with their communities. This compact describes a two way relationship - how MPs work with their communities to get things done and how communities work with their MP. It’s a two way street, it doesn’t all fall on the shoulders of the MP. It means asking - what work can the community and community groups be doing, and how can their MP help them.

‘Democracy is not a spectator sport’

At the “Empowered Communities” Convention all the new MPs talked about the challenges - “How do we truly engage with the whole community in all its diversity, not just the people who voted for us”. “How do we provide channels for community participation in our democracy.” “How do we ensure our democracy is fit for purpose.” All were embarking on experiments in democracy work.

CIP is following these experiments as they unfold in real time leading up to the next election and beyond.

At CIP’s “Courageous Communities” Convention on 3 June 2023, each of the Community Independent MPs will share what’s been achieved in the 12 months since they were elected.