London, UK – Five young candidates, all under 30, are vying to make a difference in the upcoming general election. These candidates are driven by a desire to bring change and share their motivations for running for office.
Pedro Da Conceicao, an 18-year-old independent candidate from west London, decided to run for MP after the general election was called in May. Inspired by his mother’s hard work as an NHS nurse and the underrepresentation of young people in Parliament, Pedro hopes to address issues like public service investment and knife crime.
Martha O’Neil, a 26-year-old Labour candidate from a Welsh constituency, shares her story of growing up in a former mining town and being raised by a single mother. Her experiences on state support led her to pursue a career in politics to give voice to young people and address community concerns.
Luke Allan Holmes, a 21-year-old Conservative candidate from County Durham, aims to represent his community after seeing challenges like inadequate education and lack of public transport go unaddressed by previous politicians. Despite facing skepticism about his age and experience, Luke is determined to make a difference.
Rebecca Jones, a 21-year-old Liberal Democrat candidate, advocates for the return of maintenance grants and affordable housing solutions for students like herself. Inspired by the impact of Brexit and the lack of representation for young people, Rebecca hopes to bring fresh perspectives to the political landscape.
Ross Clark, a 23-year-old Scottish National Party candidate, became the youngest member of South Lanarkshire Council at 21 and now seeks to represent his constituency in Hamilton and Clyde Valley. Drawing inspiration from past experiences and realizing the potential for change through politics, Ross is prepared to face the challenges ahead.
These young candidates represent a growing trend of youth involvement in politics, aiming to bring new ideas, perspectives, and solutions to the forefront. As they navigate the electoral process and face challenges unique to their age, they stand as symbols of a new generation seeking to make a difference in their communities.