Jo Swinson MP gives us her advice on what aspiring candidates should be doing:

• Be open minded. Standing for Parliament can be an interesting and worthwhile experience itself, even if the job of MP / MSP / MEP doesn’t appeal to you. When I first stood, in a safe Labour seat, it was clear I wouldn’t win. However the skills I developed of building and motivating a team, working with the media, and planning a campaign all came in useful - both within politics and in my business career. I always think if you can inspire a team of volunteers to deliver leaflets in the pouring rain, leading a team of people in paid employment is much easier!
• Get a copy of the candidate approval form, and find a friend to look through it with (you can request a form here). Don’t feel you have to have done everything it mentions to apply - it’s just covering all bases to make sure people don’t forget to include relevant experience. The questions on the form might also give you ideas of things you might like to do - training to attend at party conference, making a speech, or getting involved in a local campaign for example. A friend will often think of things you’ve forgotten about your achievements, and can help you blow your own trumpet, which is not something which always comes easily.
• Fill in the form, and do it soon. The approval process itself is a worthwhile exercise. You get a good appraisal of your strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunity to go on training. It can also be a confidence booster. Importantly, being an approved candidate gives you flexibility. It doesn’t compel you to stand, but if your ideal opportunity comes along, you won’t miss it because of not being approved in time.
• Act like a sponge for ideas and advice. Network within the party - locally, regionally and at national party conferences, by-elections and events. People love being asked for their advice (and you don’t always have to take it!) so pick up a wide range of views to help you form your own picture of the political situation and prospects in particular constituencies.
• Prioritise what is important for you. What do you want to achieve? What other influences will you be factoring in - career, family commitments, finances? Different people have got elected in different ways. Lynne Featherstone stayed put and overturned a 26,000 Labour majority over 8 years. Sandra Gidley won when her home seat suddenly became vacant and winnable because of a Parliamentary by-election. Jenny Willott moved to Cardiff to take on a target seat and win it, coming very close in 2001, and winning with a 5000+ majority in 2005.
• Think ahead. Even if you don’t want to be elected next time, having a long term plan can help you make decisions now that will make it easier for you in future. Where to locate, what jobs to apply for, what involvement you have in your local party, what experiences to pursue?
• Do it!

You can read more advice on our “Be the Candidate” page and in the “do it” section of this site.

If you have any advice of your own for publishing here, email it to info@reflectingbritain.org.uk.

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