What chance for any independent minds and voices to break the stagnancy in British politics.

Only those of [i]very[/i] independent means can even consider trying to become an independent MP

Even then, who would squander their vote when there is no proportional representation.

This is not envy of Miss Hazelgrove; but certainly a lamentation, that she may be being selected for her youthful traits of ideological maleability, career ambition, and pleasing physical appearance…

…political parties may see a benefit in constructing graduate recruitment and training programmes: mirroring the corporate world; creating career politicians to “middle manage” us.

viva la revolucion?

While I was recently at the University of York, meeting new members, I came across Claire Hazelgrove, a 19-year-old, second year politics student. From our brief meeting, I could tell she was competent and extremely good-natured.

I just want to congratulate her on being selected as Labour’s candidate in Skipton and Ripon. The 19-year-old will be taking on sitting 63-year-old Conservative MP David Curry. There are people trying to do good in the community, in many walks of life and in all different political parties.

Age should not inhibit people from trying to help others, age is just a number. Claire will provide a real challenge to Curry and hammer home the Labour principles of fairness and equality of opportunity and I wish her all the best.

Councillor James Alexander, Labour Candidate for York Outer