Meet the Selby candidate who wants to redefine what an MP stands for
Andrew Gray, a trained solicitor who lives in Harrogate, told The Yorkshire Post that he is hoping to become the first MP who sources all of his policies from his constituents using artificial intelligence (AI)
“AI is a slightly slightly difficult topic,” said Mr Gray, adding that although it may be a “bit scary” and like Skynet from the Terminator films, it can be used to “enhance” the way people can have a voice in politics.
Mr Gray uses a piece of technology called Polis, with influences from Ancient Greece which is widely thought to be the birthplace of democracy.
It works somewhat like social media, but for local people, who are able to share their views on what their elected representatives should do, on everything from speed bumps to foreign policy.
“It’s been used best in Taiwan,” said Mr Gray.
“When they have tricky issues, such as how close politically they should be to China, should they have Uber, should they allow electric scooters, everyone has an account.
He said the technology then “harvests” everybody’s best ideas and then officials can work to find a consensus.
“Essentially the policies are created by the people,” he said.
Mr Gray, who’s father is a Conservative councillor, said that he has been a Tory, Labour and Lib Dem activist but during lockdown became interested in how technology could solve the “broken” party system of British politics.
“I'm a Quaker, myself, which means we try to get along with other people from other faiths, as well as their ideas,” he said, adding: “We don't think we've got a monopoly on ideas and wisdom.”
“In the past, how could you listen to what everybody wanted? You couldn't, [there were] too many people, but now the technology exists to pool those ideas.
“Why would you not want to hear from experts within your own constituency? My way is not perfect. It really is not. But it's better than the current system.
The people that [MPs] listen to locally are donors and members, and for labour, trade unions, and its people who are very comfortable speaking up.
“A lot of people are not comfortable speaking up. A lot of people don't vote. Children can't vote. Our system is this. This is semi democracy. And I'm suggesting we just enhance the level of democracy now we have the tech to do it.”