How One Man Gets New Laws Passed – Again and Again
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Ron Bailey: The UK’s Most Successful Parliamentary Campaigner
By Kate Whannel, Politics Reporter
Published 8 hours ago
Ron Bailey has earned many titles in his 40 years of political activism, not all of them printable. From the most successful parliamentary campaigner to the most effective and relentless lobbyist, his tactics have varied from direct action to meticulous research.
Over this time, Bailey has been involved in getting 16 bills passed and pushing for another 25 law changes. This is surprising considering his former poster reading, "Don’t vote, it only encourages them".
Early Activism
Bailey’s political awakening came in his youth, sparked by his brother’s folk-singing and a run-in with the authorities at a grammar school. He joined protests against unfair homelessness laws and squatting movements in the 1960s, using his knowledge of the law to his advantage.
Transition to Legislation
A decade later, Bailey switched from protest to legislative change. One of his first victories was a freedom of information campaign, securing public access to council meetings and documents.
He attributes his success to mobilising communities rather than lobbying in Parliament. He explains, "You don’t win these campaigns in Parliament, you win them outside Parliament".
A key early win was a Local Government (Access to Information) Bill, which expanded public access to council meetings and records. By sharing "secret files" detailing hidden council activities, Bailey and his team built public support, leading to the government backing down.
