Joshua Dixon from Haringey, standing for Federal Board

[cosmolinguist]

What's your name, where are you from, and which committee(s) are you standing for?
Joshua Dixon, Haringey Borough (London) and I'm standing for the Federal Board.

Are you standing for the first time or restanding? If first time what new thing do you bring that nobody else could; if restanding, what about your record are you most proud of that you think should make us vote you back in?
Elected to FE in 2014 and restanding for the new Federal Board. I have been one of the consistent voices standing up for the need to improve the diversity of our party. I have also fought for more action to be taken to tackle sexual harassment. As the youngest member of FE I have also been an advocate for young people in our party who deserve representation on our committees.

Are you standing for any other committees, if so which ones; and if elected to more than one how do you plan to divide your time?
Just FB.

Are you an active member of any SAOs, and if so which ones?
Former exec member of Liberal Youth (now Young Liberals). Have been their point of contact on FE for my term too.

If someone asked you on the doorstep, the hustings or on TV to sum up in one or two sentences what the Lib Dems, uniquely, stand for – and then why anyone should vote for us – what are your answers?
The Lib Dems are the most credible electoral force to deliver social justice and equality in our country. We fundamentally believe in the rights of all citizens and for the need to give everyone the tools to fulfil their full potential in life.

What is your view on diversity quotas for committees? Should they be extended to cover more than just gender, scrapped totally, kept as is or something else?
I spoke on the quotas motion at conference (in favour). I believe that to properly tackle the culture of our party then we first need a diverse leadership that can best deliver that.

Secrecy rules prevent the party knowing what committees are doing. What will you do to communicate with members; and in what circumstances is confidentiality justified?
I have always been an approachable member of FE who is willing to engage with members and listen to their concerns. I've engaged with LY closely when I have felt that young members needed to be engaged on certain issues. I think keeping an active social media presence is important to accountability and transparency too. Confidentiality can be justified when there information is particularly sensitive, but we should always look to question this approach if we believe we can be more open and accountable.

As the party has now backed the principle of OMOV, how will you ensure all members are represented, not just those who can afford to go to Conference?
I have consistently fought for a conference that is more accessible to the members. I was one of the few members on FE to vote to retain the live stream of conference because I argued that this was vital to members unable to attend due to cost.

I believe we must continue to review how we can remove barriers to accessing our events. I'd want to use my position on FB to pressure FCC to retain and improve the access fund.

If police accreditation to attend conference was proposed again, would you support or oppose it and why?
Oppose. We have to be led by our own values and principles. Little more to say than that.

What is your view on electoral pacts? Should the party make them, and if so, who with?
I think we need to work better with our political opponents to find consensus on certain issues. However, a pact is unlikely to happen. I would oppose any deals with the Tories or UKIP though.

The list of all candidates who have answered can be found here.