I am standing for election AMA ( except anything political 😂 )

[OliviaCromwell]

😂Not coming here to discuss politics, just to share the experience of how the system works, if anyone is interested. I won't say what party I am standing for. I am happy to answer any questions about the process, and my own feelings and experiences.

National - there will be a General Election this year; all parties and constituencies are getting their candidates in place.

I do sort of dread being elected, in a way - it would be terrifying! But obviously it is also what I hope for and am working towards. That is a contradiction, I know, but that is how I feel.

OP just answer the woman question otherwise it will derail the whole thread.

No, you don't have to be scandal free, but you do have to be upfront about anything problematic in your past. You are advised how to address it, if it comes up. There should not be any surprises. Some parties do not select anyone with criminal convictions, but some do - however they are very careful about exactly what criminal convictions, and why you got them. Protesting for a political cause and getting arrested, for example, is not an unusual experience among selected candidates.

Have you received any threats yet?

Only asking because of the number of MPs standing down for reasons including being threatened.

Sorry, I have just reread the post and seen there is a bit more to the question. It is not a problem at all to have been in other political parties first. Many people who are active in politics do move around the parties a bit - I have. I think people who think a lot, care a lot and listen to other people are very likely to chance their minds throughout their life time about exactly which party they feel represents the best interests of their local population at different times. It is also not uncommon for younger people to have been in the further out edges of politics and become more centralised as they get older.

About 50:50 but I will come back to this thread and let you know!

At what point in the process, if any, will you meet the party leader?

You said yourself that you would talk about feelings, so what do you feel that a woman is?

No, I am not worried about dealing with the electorate, I have a job where I help people from all walks of life, and I enjoy it, and can find a bit of sympathy inside my heart for almost all of them, whoever they are and whatever they have done. This includes advocating for convicted criminals, as well as many other people in difficult situations.

Yes, I am worried about people connected to me being targeted. Whatever party, we are given a folder of safety precautions and support we can access - it is heavy readying, there is a lot of it. We are given alarms, direct access phone numbers, financial support for security, and a lot else.

No, I have not yet reived any personal threats, just generalised ones aimed at either the party, the process or at all candidates. I expect I will, and I expect it will be upsetting. I am prepared for that though

I already have, as they have been personally involved in actions I was also involved in, so know them on a fairly limited basis, for example, I know the names of their partners and how they take their coffee. Party leaders are very polished and professional at self presentation, even within their own party, so are basically on duty as politicians all the time, and you don't really get to see anything personal. At least, I have not.

I think I have answered all the non political questions that I can see at the moment. I will return to this thread in a day or so, and will update it as the story continues - as I said, I would like the whole democratic process to be more transparent and accessible, if possible, so that is my aim in this thread. I hope other women might see that it is possible for a normal person to get involved and be part of it. This thread isn't about one political view point or another, it as about more women engaging politically.

My dh was in talks with a political party re being their candidate for election. I was horrified and vetoed him standing because I did not want me or my family coming under any public scrutiny. Did you have a similar concern or did your partner?

Historically, we saw women at Husting events being asked who would look after their children if elected, and being heckled by male MPs in parliament during their maiden speech (one female MP had "melons!" shouted at her repeated as she talked). How has your experience so far been, in terms of being treated equitably to other candidates?

Just want to say well done - so many people complain about the state of the country but precious few are willing to stick their heads above the parapet to try to make a difference.

"I joined one party, then another, then settled on the one I felt aligned must closely to by own beliefs."

I'm very interested in this statement. I decided years ago that I would never join a political party because I don't agree with any of them on everything. I vote according to which manifesto most closely matches my priorities.

As you have changed party at least once, you must have held at least some views that conflict with your party's position. Have you changed your views? Have any of the parties changed their position on an issue that is important to you? Or have you decided that you are willing to support your party's view on some policies you don't agree with because their view on other issues is more important to you?

Will you have a problem voting with your party for a policy you don't agree with ?

I think OP has answered the question:

'if I am asked, I am likely to give a straightforward answer, shall we say'

The only straightforward answer is adult human female.

Anything else requires explanations.

Thanks for this thread.
Lots of people who could make a valuable contribution don't get involved for lots of low level personal reasons, the more demystified/relatable it can be the better.

I presume most people who go into politics have a bunch of things/issues they'd like to improve but inevitably the process prevents them getting everything they want through. I remember an interview with one politician who said if you end your role having got through one thing that you really care about you're doing well...

Do you have a particular issue that you will personally hold dear and will fight to avoid compromising on, over and above all others?

Clear, reasonable and generous. Thanks op.

How was you’ve been approached about it? I suppose there is a point when someone should raise it with you, how did it happen?

Excellent politician material as you didn’t answer the bloody question 🙄

I think she’s answered it by omission.

yes, it is a worry, but less so in a general election, when there is plenty going on, rather than in a by election, where I have turned down the suggestion of standing before

Well, a bit variable, although no one has actually been offensive to my face (I've heard of sarky comments behind my back - a woman should make more effort with her hairstyle, etc)

I don't think I am treated equally in that I am condescended to a bit, men (of my own parties and others) can be a bit over- chivalrous in a way that wouldn't happen between men, door opening, being offered the last chair, solicitous enquiries about how I am getting home in the dark, etc. I don't mind the question, so much as the tone of voice, and the fact that men should also get the same question, but often don't.

I don't like this, but don't really want to make a fuss about it either.

A couple of men have tried calling me "gorgeous" etc, and greeting me with a kiss, and I put my foot down there, and told them never call be something they would not call my male election agent, or greet me in a way they would not great him.