By Elect Her

It’s really encouraging to see the newly delivered Representation of the People Bill taking meaningful steps to widen access to our democratic system - particularly through measures that support earlier engagement and simplify registration.

Expanding participation matters. It helps more people see themselves as part of our political life, and that is something we really welcome.

But access is only one part of the story.

For many women and minoritised people who want to participate as representatives in our democracy, the biggest barriers don't sit at the door of democracy - they sit inside it. In opaque selection processes, in cultures that reward presenteeism, in the absence of consistent support, and in systems that still make political life harder to sustain than it needs to be.

This Bill adjusts entry to the building.
It does not yet redesign the building.

Through our Fix the System work, grounded in years of lived experience and research, we know that progress depends on what happens after people step forward - how candidates are selected, supported, protected, and then enabled to thrive in office.

That means:

Greater transparency in party processes
Stronger institutional accountability
Better data on who is progressing - and who isn’t
Proper induction and support for those elected
Cultures that work for people with caring responsibilities and diverse lives

*None of this diminishes the importance of this legislation.*
*It builds on it.*

We see this Bill as a foundation - and an opportunity - to go further, together.

We look forward to working with policymakers, parties, and partners across the sector to ensure that our democratic system doesn’t just invite people in, but is designed for everyone to succeed once they’re there!

Because fixing access is important.

Fixing the system is essential.