At just 18 years old, Pedro is making headlines as the youngest candidate in this year’s UK election, running as an independent in West London. With a passion for politics sparked only recently, Pedro decided to stand for Parliament when the general election was called at the end of May. “My mum thought I was joking when I first told her,” he admits.
Born in Portugal, Pedro moved to the UK as a baby with his mother, an NHS nurse, who has greatly influenced his political views. He is motivated by the underrepresentation of young people in Parliament and aims to change that. “I saw my mum come to the UK as an immigrant and work really, really hard,” Pedro shares. “I saw firsthand the benefit of immigrants and how they could help our economy.”
Pedro hopes to inspire other young people to engage in politics and is advocating for more investment in public services and efforts to tackle knife crime. He notes that many politicians are out of touch with the realities faced by young people today. “How can you expect people that have been privately educated or are way older to solve an issue that they can’t relate to?” he asks.
Running independently, Pedro has faced challenges, including covering the £500 deposit required to stand, which he managed through crowdfunding and earnings from his part-time job. Despite the long odds of winning in the safe Labour seat of Ealing Southall, Pedro remains hopeful about inspiring others.
Young Politicians Across the UK
Pedro is not alone in his quest. Across the UK, young candidates are stepping up to make their voices heard.
Martha O’Neil, 26, is a Labour candidate standing in a new Welsh seat. Raised in Ammanford, a former mining town, Martha’s upbringing and reliance on state support inspired her to pursue politics. She hopes to bring young voices to the forefront of political discussions in Caerfyrddin.
Luke Allan Holmes, 21, a Conservative candidate, has faced skepticism due to his age but insists that young people have much to offer. Growing up in County Durham, Luke’s experiences with inadequate schooling and poor public transport motivated him to seek change. Despite abuse and challenges, he is determined to represent his community.
Rebecca Jones, 21, is running for the Liberal Democrats in Hackney North and Stoke Newington. A trans woman and recent politics graduate, Rebecca’s campaign focuses on student maintenance grants and affordable housing. She is driven by the impact of Brexit on young people and aims to make a difference in her community.
Ross Clark, 23, represents the Scottish National Party in Hamilton and Clyde Valley. As the youngest member of South Lanarkshire Council, Ross has already faced challenges due to his age. Inspired by the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, he is now determined to bring positive change to his constituency.
A Potential Shift in Parliament
Political journalist Michael Crick suggests that this election could see a significant turnover of MPs, with many experienced members standing down. This shift, combined with the candidacy of younger politicians like Pedro, Martha, Luke, Rebecca, and Ross, could lower the average age of Parliament and introduce fresh perspectives.
As these young candidates navigate the complexities of their campaigns, they are united by a common goal: to inspire and enact change. Whether or not they win their respective seats, their efforts highlight the importance of youthful voices in shaping the future of UK politics.