As some of you may know, I am one of the co-founders of the South Devon Primary, along with Simon Oldridge and Ben Long. Born out of frustration with an electoral system that threatened to see the Conservatives’ near hundred year rule in the Totnes/South Devon constituency because the opposition vote was split, the two year project was, thankfully, successful. And it wasn’t just the comprehensive victory in July 2024 by the ‘people’s champion’ (Carolne Voaden, LibDem, who won in every ward bar two and enjoyed an overall majority in excess of seven thousand) that gave us satisfaction. In fact, that was probably the icing on the cake. The buzz came from the community buy-in to a process which re-engaged people with democracy and sent an MP to parliament who fully appreciated the passion and optimisim of those who parked their tribal loyalties or overturned their apathy to unite behind her campaign.
I’ll be honest. It was a lot of work from a standing start. We couldn’t help hoping that the Labour government might finally listen to campaigners, members and unions supporting the move to proportional representation and make the vital change to modernise our democracy. It doesn’t look like that will happen. Now we are being taunted and terrorised by the threat of a Reform UK government winning a big majority in 2029 on perhaps even less than 30 per cent of the vote. Tactical voting – responsible for the scale of the Conservative wipe-out in 2024 – will be a vital weapon in the battle against the far right (Conservative or Reform), but some seats will still be potential ‘progressive tragedies’ – seats where there is no clear tactical vote and where the community needs to decide collectively whom to back. This challenge will be magnified by the surge in support for the Greens and the possibility (probably fairly remote here in the West Country) of Your Party polling meaningful support. The more challenger candidates there are dividing the progressive vote, the greater the risk of a Reform candidate sneaking in through the middle.
Ben and I wanted to write the story of the South Devon Primary in any event, but quickly realised that what was needed was a (hopefully!) inspiring account that also acted as a manual. We decided to go the graphic ‘novel’ route to catch the eye and widen the reach and recruited Jack Burley to do the design and graphics. We’ve got a crowdfunder in place to enable us to pay for his professional services and you can help by donating here. He’s as passionate about the project as we are, and is doing the intensive, full-time work at a heavily-discounted rate. But let him articulate his reasons for getting involved:
“Hi, I’m Jack and I’m excited and proud to be illustrating The People’s Primary! This post is kind of an introduction to me and why I’m invested in the project. There are also a couple of sneak-peak process images from work so far! Anyway, here we go…
I’m an illustrator and designer. I’m also a video editor. And an occasional painter and decorator, grill cook… the list goes on. That’s the gig economy for you. In fact, it’s become increasingly necessary for people to take on multiple jobs.We are living in an age of worsening social and wealth inequality. The majority of workers will tell you a version of the same story; work doesn’t pay enough to live on, workplaces are failing to provide security, stability and growth, and as such, employer expectations are unrealistic. Growing numbers of us have moved on from simple dissatisfaction with working life, to a deep loathing of ‘the grind’ and a sense that our current system of work is rigged against us. We’re set up to fail. These are just some of the direct effects of Tory-led austerity.
“As if that wasn’t enough, we also face unprecedented challenges from our environment. Sewage and industrial waste flow into our water. Energy bills have soared. Our planet is getting warmer. Animal species are disappearing. The global South faces disaster after disaster caused by capitalist greed. Despite the wealthiest 10 per cent being responsible for around two-thirds of observed global warming, billionaire-owned corporations rake in record profits.
“The South Devon Primary sought to challenge these and many other social issues – by rallying against a long-term Tory safe seat. This story is one of grassroots politics and DIY community organisation. It’s about what’s possible when we listen to each other, work together and ‘punch up’, instead of kicking down. This project allows me to help tell a story about local social action, community engagement for change, and the spirit of protest. Working on something that aligns with your social values is rare in creative employment these days. In a fog of corporate logos and marketing for soulless, homogenous companies, this book is a welcome ray of sunlight for an illustrator, and designer – and a worker.”
If you would like to see primaries revitalise participatory democrcy in the UK, please donate. We’ll be setting a stretch goal to get hard copies of the book out there and you can help!
There have been some lovely comments from donors; here are just a few:
“I am donating to this because I do not want Nigel Farage & Reform to win at the next general-, or any election. My grandfathers fought the fascists and now mindless idiots are voting for them. First past the post needs to be abolished and replaced with proportional representation”
Mike Riley
“South Devon Primary established the consensus that had eluded the area for so long, finally allowing a majority to be represented in Parliament. A fantastic model that could help so many people afflicted by the UK’s minority-rule system to realise dreams of democratic renewal.”
Tom de Grunwald
“Probably the most valuable donation for change I can make locally. Plus it will help stop Reform elsewhere. A no brainer.”
Colin Rangdröl Moore
“Thank you for the South Devon Primary. I applaud your innovation and bravery in setting it up and seeing it to fruition, and I hope its success in South Devon’s can be replicated around the country.”
Rowan Lovejoy
l was part of it and it felt empowering. It can be done anywhere in the country.
Swissdani
“I am totally fed up with first past the post voting. This is an excellent way to move past it, so all credit to the people behind the South Devon Primary. Keep it up, and let the message spread!”
Simon Gieve
“Humble, inspiring, generous and visionary people in the Primary Movement are making grassroots action easier and accessible to everyone. These are the seeds we need to plant, nurture and grow throughout the UK, please support this easy to use book and change everyone’s lives.”
artsandnaturefan
Let’s do it!
