I'm Sam Easterby-Smith. My pronouns are he/him.

Professionally:

I'm a software engineer. Specifically, I'm a mobile apps specialist and currently lead the apps team at the Co-operative Bank. For non-UK folk, that's a mid-size, quite traditional, famously ethical, high-street bank. We also run an online-only bank called Smile (I like Smile, don't forget Smile).

I really enjoy my work. I love looking after my developers and testers – improving processes, making sure we have agency and voice within the organisation, striving to be a shining and infectious pocket of enlightenment. I like being glue.

I do also rather love actually writing code, fixing bugs, and making lovely UI – when I get the chance!

[Standard disclaimer: Anything contained in my public online output, here or elsewhere, are personal views, and not those of my employer.]

Politically:

I'm an activist and member of The Green Party (of England and Wales).

I'm a huge believer in systemic change – and that to tackle the big stuff like climate change and social inequality we need to do the thing: “think global, act local”.

I'm really into two particular areas of policy: Transport and Digital

Transport

On transport, what we need is modal shift. To decarbonise transport and address the inequalities and dangers of our car-dependent society we need to provide meaningful and safe alternatives. And yes, sadly, we have to fight the culture wars to get it done. Oh, there are stories.

To deliver on that locally means pushing for better pavements, safe bike lanes, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, school streets, road pricing, pedestrianisation, barrier removal, stopping pavement parking, public transport.

I'm one of the founding members of Greens4HS2 – and was part of changing the party policy to be solidly (but not un-critically) in favour of high-speed rail. This was quite the change for a party that not very long ago was noisily against building an electrified railway.

Digital

Our digital policy is a work in progress at the moment. We have a working group on it, cementing the party's position on digital rights, and how we can support and regulate the digital and creative industries, smash big tech, and much more.

I have stood for election a number of times, including coming a convincing second in the 2024 General Election.

[Standard disclaimer: Again, personal views in here. But where I knowingly deviate from party policy, I'll say so.]

[Imprint: Published and promoted by Sam Easterby-Smith (Green Party) c/o 36 Manchester Road, Manchester. M21 9PH]

And of course:

I'm a very proud parent of four girls, play the piano, and have been known to make clocks.