One of the most significant victories in the UK general election was the success of the citizens organisation, London Citizens, and its ability to have the hopes and needs of Britian’s citizens to influence the promises of all the major parties.

On May 3rd, on the eve of the election, all the prime ministerial candidates addressed an assembly of 2500 people organised by London Citizens and its national partner – the citizens organising foundation (see Citizens UK website).

This coalition, using a mix of community organising and the power of diverse organisational relationships shifted the political agenda towards concerns for the common good – such as housing, living wages, the rights of migrants – requiring the political leaders to make public commitments on those issues. Through sustained relationships built through over 20 years of community organising, London Citizens demonstrated the tremendous impact that coalitions can have.