I've been involved with the party since August 2009. After several years of ever-increasing consternation over matters such as gene and software patents, the onward march of draconian hardware-enforced DRM, and attempts to change the Internet from an intrinsically peer-to-peer network to something more resembling cable TV, it was refreshing to encounter a political party genuinely seeking to address these problems, and I signed up without hesitation.
Just before Christmas 2009 I volunteered to take on the role of SE Englands first Regional Administrator, and shortly afterwards, in February 2010, I initiated the successful "Project Postcard" flyering project. On the strength of that success, I was co-opted to the NEC in March 2010 as Deputy Campaigns Officer, and charged with the responsibility for running the party's General Election campaign. This was an enormous learning opportunity for me, and I learnt a lot about how not to run a national election campaign -- experience which I hope will help the party to make next year's devolved elections in Scotland a success!
In June 2010 I was elected as Campaigns Officer. With a great campaigns team (Andrew Tindall and Finlay Archibald, thanks for all your hard work!) I've been trying hard to keep the party's campaigns going, by working with our recently-elected Regional Administrative Officers and by encouraging people with good campaigning ideas. So far, it's sometimes been frustrating, but at times it's been massively rewarding. People who've worked with me will know that I'm good at chasing people up to do things they've promised to do, and that I keep a close eye on what's going on in the party's IRC channel, on the forums and on the various internal mailing lists. As Campaigns Officer, I've made it my goal to get to know all the party's active members, and to support their efforts to promote the party.
In addition to my behind-the-scenes campaigns work, I've also recently had the chance to act as the party's spokesperson at ORGCON and for a documentary about the effect of the Digital Economy Act on open wireless access points. As an academic researcher, I frequently have the opportunity to explain complex technical concepts to an audience unfamiliar with them, and I believe that these skills would be valuable in a party leader. Although I admit that I'm
As party leader, I would focus on trying to raise our profile in the general public. My top priority would be to revitalise the party's Press Team, and I would aim to capitalise on as many opportunities to get media coverage as possible. I would also work closely with the new Campaigns Officer and the Scottish regional members to figure out how best to approach next year's Scottish devolved elections.
I believe that my knowledge of and involvement in the party, along with my commitment and reliability, would make me a good Leader of the Pirate Party UK. Please vote for me.
(And please, someone, second my nomination!)
As usual, I will do my best to answer any and all questions you might have. However, please note that I'll be abroad without Internet access from the 25th August to 1st September inclusive.
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, it's amazing what you get used to!