I am very keen to get young people involved in politics, and this is something I have tried to do throughout my time as an MP. I know that many young people are interested in politics, but do not always know how to get involved. Besides my frequent visits to schools to talk to pupils about my work, I encourage young people to get involved in campaigning, so they can develop an interest in and understanding of local and national politics.
At the moment pending elections for 5th May in Northamptonshire are for the Police and Crime Commissioner and I have been out and about at weekends supporting the campaign of Stephen Mold, the Conservative candidate. In some parts of the country there are also local elections and the contest for the next London Mayor is a hot topic in the news at the moment, with that election also coming up on the 5th May. London is very important for the national economy, policies of the London Mayor often influence the rest of the country, and it is likely to be an exciting and tight race.
As part of my efforts to get young people from Northampton involved in politics, I recently organised a Saturday day trip by coach for young volunteers to go down to London to experience first-hand what political campaigning is like. Volunteers delivered leaflets across a London borough.
Occasions like this are a really great way for people to get their first taste of politics, and I am always happy to hear from those who might like to get more involved with politics. If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering in town or on similar trips in future, do get in touch!