Democracy Successfully Unlocked at Secular Hall Event

Local campaign group Unlock Democracy Leicester held a very successful public meeting on the evening of 7th March to discuss the public perception of politicians, whether that perception is justified and to ask whether the time has come for change in the political system which is consistently dominated by scandal.

 The panel comprised local politicians: Andrew Bridgen MP (Conservative, North West Leicestershire) and Roger Helmer MEP (UKIP, East Midlands) along with Professor Steven Fielding (Professor of Political History, University of Nottingham) and Ken Ritchie (Former Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society) and guest chair Alexandra Runswick (Deputy Director of Unlock Democracy).

The panel were able to address an audience of around 40 people. Member of the public expressed their anger about the expenses scandal and raised questions about the level of politicians’ salaries.

 There was deep concern about the role the media plays in shaping our opinions of politicians, and whether political parties really keep to their manifesto commitments.

Lisa French, Group Co-Ordinator of Unlock Democracy Leicestershire, said ‘This meeting gave the public a chance to discuss the concerns they have with our political system. Many voters worry that politicians are being influenced by lobbyists and the media. This is leading to increasing apathy with politics, and fewer people feel that their vote makes a difference.”

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