The Democracy Trust

Contacts Log

December 2002 to June 2007:

The Democracy Trust Co-Founder* conducted email correspondence/met with the Prime Minister's wife Cherie Blair from December 2002 until the Blairs left 10 Downing Street in 2007. The aim of the correspondence was to promote democratic excellence whilst being both constructively critical and supportive of the Governments policies and actions. Mrs Blair promptly replied over the years and said that some of the comments and proposals had been passed on to the Prime Minister.

*(Mrs Blair wrote in her book .....'to Bill my email friend')

14 February 2004: – To Cherie Blair

'New Labour Failures to address':

'From grass roots party democracy to House of Lords and European integration democratic processes have been gradually eroding since 1997.

Parliamentary accountability has been whittled away by many different methods. This needs to be recovered and confidence rebuilt. (Perhaps the Prime Minister should review Standards in the House and work towards a system whereby all MPs are paid a new rate and consultancies and acquired directorships/nepotism etc in office are forbidden ?) please see attached MP Code Of Conduct'

12 June 2005: – To Cherie Blair

............ 'The same politicians ........in Parliament ......., have collectively failed to address the real abuse of roles of public service by MPs who engage in/ignore nepotism such as 'employed' spouses etc, public funded (undeserved) perks and acquired consultancies and directorships resulting in substantial private income for many MPs who should be working only for their constituents'.

5 March 2006: – To Cherie Blair

..............My fear for the future is that democracy has been eroding away with our hard won freedoms haemorrhaging under the new labour project. 'Tough' decisions are now being taken with a macho delivery to explain away further state control and interference with our lives. More control on our freedoms, a green light for the use of torture by third parties, law making by the unelected, the weakening of the judiciary, rewards for party contributors of wealth and a blind eye to declining standards in public life – now much worse than under Tory rule. Arbitrary arrest for peaceful democratic protest by lone women, old men at conference........Politics should be making a positive difference in people's lives with freedom, democracy and care at the heart of what is delivered. ..... To lead by example, doing the right thing and using all political resources showing that power, wealth and associated influence are used for the common good...............

1 May 2006: – To Cherie Blair

'A few years ago I sent you the document below. (Code Of Conduct), which only 26 (mostly Labour MPs endorsed in 2001). It still holds true now. I intend to resend to all MPs. Why genuine/credible/ethical politicians (including the PM who was sent a copy) could not endorse it I will never know. In 2001 I also wrote the following for a think tank, which again still holds true today:

'In return for being elected and vested with the authority to represent them the electorate is entitled to expect the highest level of service and professionalism from their elected representatives. High standards of unselfish service will be a vital element in restoring the electorates distrust of politicians and those in public office who often appear to be serving personal interests rather than the public interest'.

I admit to hoping I could through you effect change for the better with your influence. I have failed of course. You are of indeed loyal and I respect that but the quality of Government advice/strategy/outcomes leaves a lot to be desired. Life is too short, the need is great and much more could be done to make a positive difference to people's lives. Political standards have declined under labour, freedoms are being chipped away. The list of negatives dwarfs the positives'.........

26 February 2007: - To David Cameron MP (Leader of The Opposition)

The Trust contacted David Cameron's office and presented an analysis of the current democratic system from the viewpoint of the electorate. Practical proposals were submitted for developing the democratic/political system to engage more with the citizens within the electorate.

Supporting the analysis were three 'unique selling points' of what was proposed:

• A unique voter friendly (achievable) set of political standards pledged by the MP to all in the constituency.

• Constituency consultation and electorate ballot prior to the MP voting in Parliament on key issues.

• Unique annual appraisal of MP with local accountability.

Although the correspondence was acknowledged at a senior level * no interest was shown/no feed-back given whatsoever in respect of the proposals.

*(William Hague MP wrote back to say the contents of the proposals had 'been carefully noted'...)

1 February 2009: To Chris Grayling MP (Shadow Home Secretary)

After a very brief meeting with Mr Grayling a email was sent to him with a request to meet to discuss various issues. He responded and said he would get back to make arrangements.

He never did follow up with an arranged meeting

27 March 2009:

Before the MP expense scandal was fully revealed by The Daily Telegraph a feature letter was printed in the Daily Mail suggesting the proposed Code Of Conduct for MPs. A copy was emailed to a Prospective MP and copy to the Shadow Home Secretary with the following opinion:

The electorate/the country is looking for politicians to live in the real world and conduct their lives subject to selfless not selfish standards. Will Cameron, Chris Grayling and colleagues have the drive and courage to take actions commensurate with best commercial/value added practice to reform political standards to meet the needs of all the people ? ........Self interest is a hollow, short term high. Politics should be about making a positive difference in people's lives that are served. Too many politicians from all parties put self interest first. David Cameron may engage with a hung Parliament next election, he may make a good Prime Minister. If he immediately reforms the greed, self interest and sleaze simmering on for a decade or more in Parliament he will go on to be a great Prime Minister.

He has the choice............his mission is and should be for the greater good and not to protect the Old boys network in Parliament. ..................Over to you David......

(The MP replied saying he would be 'happy to meet to discuss' – but never did meet)