Politicians (Campaign Toolkit)
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This page is part of the Campaign Toolkit.
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Contents |
Introduction
A central part of your campaign might involve persuading politicians to support your cause. This might involve Government Ministers, local MPs, members of the European Parliament, members of the Scottish Parliament or Assembly of Wales or Northern Ireland Assembly, members of the Greater London Assembly or the London Mayor, or local councillors.
All citizens have the right to be heard by their elected representatives, but for that reason all politicians' diaries are packed with appointments.
To be heard amid the cacophony your campaign must have clarity and target the right politicians.
You must be clear what you want the politicians to actually do for you. Politicians hate time-wasters or people who don't know what they want.
Politicians are unlikely to be persuaded by haranguing or shouting - but they will listen to reason and argument. If your cause can be linked to the politician's own interests such as their own local electorate, they will be far more sympathetic.
Preparation
Identify which politicians and which bodies you want your campaign to target - you can get the list from the web or from directories available in the local library or from on-line sites such as Politics Direct.
Do you want to reach decision-makers or decision-influencers? Your local MP may be sympathetic to your cause, but not be the person actually taking the decision. But they might be able to talk to the relevant Minister.
- Identify allies, 'undecideds' and enemies - and open up a dialogue with all of them.
- Keep the allies onside, turn the 'undecideds' into allies, and neutralise the enemies.
- Be nice to politicians' gatekeepers - their secretaries and advisers often have huge influence over what they do and don't take time to do.
- Decide what you want the politician to do.
- You cannot offer anything that might be construed as an attempt at bribery.
What Can Politicians Do For You?
Add their name to your cause to raise the profile. Approach other politicians on your behalf.
Speak up for your cause in the relevant assembly - the council chamber, House of Commons, European Parliament.
Politicians have special interests. MPs can be members of All-Party Groups or departmental committees, where they can raise your issues. You can access the List of All-Party groups and some of their members (scroll down!). Full lists of members are not normally published but you can request them.
Help get your messages in the media
MPs can create interest by using parliamentary devices such as the Early Day Motion, a Parliamentary Question, an Adjournment Debate, or making speeches.
Council leaders can change the council's spending priorities or services.
Ministers can instigate changes in the law.
Writing to Politicians
Politicians, including local councillors, receive thousands of pieces of correspondence every month ranging from glossy and expensive brochures to hand-written letters from constituents. Your letter will be one amongst many.
Avoid pro-forma letters or letters sent to all MPs or councillors. Try to personalise the letter with a hand-written salutation and signature.
Get the politician's name, title and sex right (for example Marsha Singh MP, Kerry Pollard MP, and Hilary Benn MP are all men!)
Write concisely and clearly, and make it obvious what you want.
Make clear any political advantage or potential disadvantage for the politician by their involvement or non-involvement with your campaign.
Meeting with Politicians
You won't have long - so decide beforehand what you want to say and get to the point quickly.
Put your point calmly and with authority, and have statistics and examples ready to answer the politicians' questions.
The politician may have already been contacted by your opponents, so be ready to tackle criticism or opposing views.
Prepare a short, sharp 'leave behind' document for the politicians and their advisers.
Politicians like incentives - such as the offer of local media coverage or volunteer support in their election campaigns.
Dealing with Politicians Checklist
- Target the right politicians and get their details right.
- Decide what you want them to do.
- Don't waste their time.
- Respect the role of their secretaries and advisers.
- Offer incentives like local media coverage.
- Keep dialogue open, even with your enemies.
Case Studies
None yet. Why not add one?
Links
- Write To Them - a website that allows you to write to write to Parliamentarians, Assembly Members and councillors for free.
- They Work For You - a website that allows you to check what MPs have been doing in Parliament.
