Name: Lewis Barham

Position: MYP

Constituency: Suffolk

Which political issues are you most passionate about?

My main issues include having a good education for all, with an increase in more comprehensive PSHE lessons.  We need to find the balance between social studies and academic studies because its key for development and its importance is not yet understood. With this I would expect to see an overall drop in the number of crime-related issues in the younger society.  A better society will come with a better education system - teaching young people with a more well-rounded education.  Climate change and the environment is another passion as well as increasing the number of paid jobs for young people.  But most importantly, creating a fairer and clearer democracy and society in which we all can believe that our vote counts.  

What do you feel is the biggest issue for young people in your constituency?

My constituency being very rural, over the past 3 years we've seen improvements in transport and now young people have travel cards.  The number of paid jobs is very low and lots of people find it difficult to find work. If we work together with local towns we can create huge opportunity for apprenticeships and work experience in engineering and science on the coast and work placements in small businesses.  There needs to be more things for people to do including sporting activities - there are government funded clubs in Norfolk which get young people involved so I think we should have opportunity in Suffolk.     

What do you hope to achieve during your term of office?

I want to make more people aware of the work of UKYP and have a big influence on local MPs in Suffolk at regional and national levels.  My priority is to create more work placements in business by encouraging them to make connections with schools and colleges.  I want to get loads of people involved in campaigns and show people that politics is not boring and really does affect everyone in various ways.  Politics needs to be reeducated amongst society and UKYP is tackling it head-on and making a difference along the way.

What is your future career ambition?

I would love to go into politics and study law.  I just want to make a difference and serve people as I believe it is my duty.  I also have a real passion for helping our world and creating a sustainable and healthy future. 

Which public figure do you most admire and why?

I really admire Nelson Mandela for his sheer determination to pursue what he knew was right and resisting the anti apartheid movement as it gathered strength. Whilst he was in prison his reputation grew stronger and became accepted as the most significant black leader in South Africa - this really shows how the people believed in him! We need to believe that the system works.  

If there was one message you could send to the government, what would it be?

You need to rethink what democracy is, get out and talk to people and base what you argue about in parliament on real issues, because you've forgotten the basics.  Think about how your actions affect others. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

East Midlands | East of England | London | North East | North West | Scotland | South East | South West | Wales | West Midlands | Yorkshire & Humberside