Why are you standing to be a councillor in your local community?

I'm standing to be a councillor because there aren't enough younger people involved at local government level. Equally, I live in Stoke-on-Trent and I'm furious at the way the Tories here are running the city into the ground. They're not taking care of our heritage buildings/landmarks, are cutting services and letting our infrastructure rot.
Tell us about the ward you are standing in, such as the biggest concerns on the doorstep and what makes it unique:

I am standing in Hanford, Newstead and Trentham - it's a newly created ward for this election. Some of the biggest concerns are antisocial behaviour and crime. There's an issue that there isn't much for young people to do in the area. Equally, there is also an issue of traffic and potholes.

How did you find the selection process, and do you think there are ways it can be improved to better support young members?

I found the selection process fairly easy - I hadn't planned to stand, and was asked to nearer the end of the process. It was done via zoom and everyone was friendly and welcoming.
What do you hope to bring from your experiences within the Young Fabians into local government?

I would like to bring forward the ability to come up with evidence-based new ideas for the local area - this is one of YF's real strengths. Championing policy grounded in evidence.

What would be your advice to Young Fabians who are considering standing for local government?

Do it! Be prepared to put a graft in - it's a lot of work but it's rewarding regardless of if you win.
How can YF members help your campaign between now and May?

Come to Stoke-on-Trent for our citywide campaign sessions - they'll all be on Labour Events. Or if you have a specific day in mind, you can get in touch with me and I'll point you in the right direction on that day.

If you are a YF member standing in the elections and would like to be featured, please get in touch with our Blog Editor Clark Beken via [email protected]

Background image copyright of © Enrique Íñiguez Rodríguez (CC-BY-SA). License.