Our spokespeople are available for press and broadcast interviews and can provide commentary on our democracy and the current political agenda.
For all media enquiries call the ERS press office on 020 3743 6064 or email mediaoffice@electoral-reform.org.uk
Darren Hughes Chief Executive
Darren joined the Electoral Reform Society in 2012 as Director of Campaigns and Research, in 2014 Darren became Deputy Chief Executive, then Chief Executive in 2017. Originally from New Zealand, he was elected to the House of Representatives at age 24 and served across three parliaments. During that time he was a government minister; an opposition shadow minister; a party whip; and in addition to portfolio responsibilities such as transport; infrastructure; social development and employment; and education was deputy leader and then shadow leader of the House. New Zealand has had proportional representation for around 20 years and Darren is a firm believer in its ability to represent people more fairly and for the culture of politics to change more positively.
Willie Sullivan Senior Director, ERS Scotland and Campaigns
Willie is the Director of ERS Scotland. He has worked at senior levels in the business, voluntary and public sector. He was the Campaign consultant on the successful Fairshare Campaign for introduction of STV for Scottish Local Government and was Campaign Director for Vote for a Change, the campaign to secure a referendum on electoral reform.
Willie was seconded to be Head of Field Operations for the Yes campaign in the UK wide AV referendum. He also has been a paid political advisor to senior politicians in the UK and Scottish governments.
Jessica Blair Director, ERS Cymru
Jess Blair joined ERS in March 2017. Previously Jess was Policy and Projects Manager at the Institute of Welsh Affairs, a leading Welsh think tank. She was also Acting Director during 2016. Prior to that Jess worked in the National Assembly for Wales, writing policy for a political party. She also worked in Brussels with Regional Governments on lifelong learning policy. Jess holds a Masters in Welsh Government and Politics from the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University.
Dr Jess Garland Director of Policy and Research
Jess joined ERS in November 2011 and is responsible for the Society’s policy and research. A former Senior Political Adviser to a Shadow Cabinet Minister, Jess has several years experience working in Westminster. She has a PhD in Politics from the University of Sussex and holds a Research Masters (MRes) in Government, Policy and Politics from Birkbeck, University of London and a BA (Hons) in Philosophy from UCL. Jess has particular expertise in political participation and political party organisation research.
Mike Wright Head of Communications
Mike oversees communications at the ERS. He is a former journalist and correspondent who worked at the Telegraph and Mirror as well as other titles. He has previously covered politics extensively from general elections and national referendums to local mayoral elections, as well as leading campaigns that have successfully brought about changes in legislation. During his career he has become experienced at broadcast interviews at national and local level.