Victoria Parrett - Treasurer & Events Officer

How did you first get involved in politics?

While I’m not from a ‘political family’, my parents instilled in me the importance of voting and the difference that politics can make. Despite the northern stereotype, my family has tended to have a cross-section of political opinion and I loved to listen in on these discussions and read whatever newspaper was lying around. While I was brought up left wing, this was more based on religious and communitarian values than any loyalty to Labour. 

My first direct involvement in politics came in year 5, when I ran and won an election to be the year rep on the school council. I think we only met once before the teachers got bored, but it gave me a strong sense of duty that I carry to this day.

Joking aside, my real involvement started when I read Caitlin Moran’s ‘How to be a Woman’ as a teenager. I’d always felt frustrated at injustice and inequality I saw – in the book, Caitlin captured so many of my worries and internal anger about the gendered world we live in. From there, I ignored the urge to like anything cool and got into feminism instead. When I moved to London for university, I helped set up the Feminism Society and became Chair. That was my first experience of properly organising and networking in the very odd world of student politics. 

Post the university-bubble, I realised that my efforts couldn’t result in the level of change I wanted to see. I saw that true and lasting change had to come from the very top – and if I wanted to make a difference I had to involve myself in the decision making however I could.

What made you join and get involved with the Young Fabians?

About 3 years ago I was doing a Masters in Gender, Policy and Inequality – something I’d chosen to balance alongside a full-time job in an attempt to achieve the dream detailed above. I was loving it, but also wanted to put all my new-found knowledge into practice and get involved in the wider policy discussions of the left. The Fabians seemed perfect for this! 

My friend Hannah encouraged me to attend a Young Fabians event, and by the 4th event I was on the Econ & Finance Network’s exec. Thanks to the brilliant Carolina Saludes, I then got involved in book club and podcast. Chatting away about books, policy and Brexit, I’d found my people! I absolutely loved my first year and met so many friends for life. 

In 2020 I was elected as Chair of the Arts and Culture network. Some highlights of that were organising my first (and last pre-covid) social and chairing a panel which included the then Shadow Culture Minister Jo Stevens. Last year I was co-opted onto the exec as the Social Officer and really enjoyed planning get-togethers and the return of the annual Boat Party.

What are your aims for the year ahead in your position?

I want to support the rest of the exec team, networks & regional groups with a brilliant year of events, publications and policy. As we get back to some sense of normality (shhh Omicron!) I want to help rebuild the in-person networking opportunities within YF. To do so I’ll be focussing on socials, fundraising & trip opportunities for members so we can further our policy and campaigning work within the political left.

If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would you do?

I’d likely focus on social security and rebuilding the safety net which has been stripped away in the last decade.

If you gave me a bit longer, I’d work to equalise parental leave policies and increase childcare provisions. The gender pay gap will only ever be solved if men start caring for children and vulnerable relatives as much as women.

Once that was sorted, I’d introduce an entire package to rebuild the cultural economy, save pubs and bring back night life to the UK’s cities. Oh, and I’d fix pensions.

I may need an extra 4 years and 364 days to properly have a go at that job.

If you had to be stranded on a desert island with a Labour MP, who would it be and why?

Emily Thornberry, if my luxury item is a fully stocked bar.

Would you rather fight one horse sized duck or ten duck sized horses, and why?

This is a very odd desert island.

To get in touch with Victoria, email her at [email protected] or follow her on twitter at @VictoriaParrett. 

 

Hollie Wickens - Secretary

How did you first get involved in politics?

If we’re talking about active involvement, my boyfriend dumped me but we lived together. Canvassing in the 2017 General Election was my way of escaping!

What made you join and get involved with the Young Fabians?

My A Level Politics teacher taught me about gradualism and the Fabian Society, which sounded like it aligned with me. Then I met YF at the Young European Socialists Summer Camp in Bulgaria and they convinced me to get involved!

What are your aims for the year ahead in your position?

Try not to break anything! More seriously, to make sure everything runs smoothly for everyone in YF and contribute ideas where I can. Last year I suggested the new members’ welcome email to Mark and Laura, and this year already I’ve had exciting discussions about how our Networks can engage more with the active policy process in their policy areas… watch this space!

If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would you do?

Ban private cars from urban areas, build HS2, 3, 4 and 5 and give Leeds a tram network

If you had to be stranded on a desert island with a Labour MP, who would it be and why?

I abstain from this question to avoid offending either of the Labour MPs who pay my wages…

Would you rather fight one horse sized duck or ten duck sized horses, and why?

One horse sized duck - because when I lose, it’ll be quick in crushing me. 

To contact Hollie, email her at [email protected] or find her on twitter at @HollieWickens1.