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Original poster

What is your opinion on an 18 year old standing for election?

81 replies

Honeyroar · 25/01/2019 15:42

A nearby area has just announced that an 18 year old will be standing for election for one of the local political parties. What’s your opinion? Do you think that they can do a good job with so little life experience? They’ve been a member of youth politics and school council.

OP posts:
dudsville · 26/01/2019 07:27

I think it makers a great political point but no one should be fooled into actually voting for him. I also think highly of him for standing, but again, wouldn't vote for him.

MaisyPops · 26/01/2019 07:29

If they were involved in their community, had been political active and (crucially) were entirely aware they represent the electorate, not just woke millennial stuff, then I would vote for them.

Half the reason people are switched off politics is because they don't see elected representatives as people like them and younger people tend to be more bothered by likes on Instagram and Twitter storms.

White british middle to upper class men have gone far in politics with almost zero sense of the wider population's experience. I'd tell them to go for it.

RoseAndRose · 26/01/2019 07:31

I wouldn't think anything, other than they hadn't read the rules.

You have to be 21 to stand as a candidate in a general election.

It might be kinder to tell them this now.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

18 years old
MacarenaFerreiro · 26/01/2019 07:38

most MPs don’t have the life experience like we have had. None of them have had to worry about university costs, housing and so on.

This is a right load of cobblers. Yes there are some very privileged people who go into politics. Looking at you, Mr Johnson and Mr Rees-Mogg. But the overwhelming majority are ordinary people.

Farahilda · 26/01/2019 07:42

rose it used to be 21, but it's been lowered to 18

RoseAndRose · 26/01/2019 07:44

Hmm - that doesn't say much for the quality of the 'life in UK' practice paper I did yesterday.......

explodingkitten · 26/01/2019 07:49

I think that it is a good idea to stand for election. Democracy can then decide if he is deemed good enough. I personally wouldn't vote for him/her, no, but I also wouldn't vote for an old fart who has forgotten what it's like to be younger.

newyear2019newusername · 26/01/2019 10:11

kitten. Are you a member of a local political association and vote in candidate selection ballots, or do you just rely on others to select the candidates you approve of?

newyear2019newusername · 26/01/2019 10:16

But the overwhelming majority are ordinary people.

Oh, if only this was true.

Too few "ordinary people" get involved in politics - and that is reflected in the demographic profile of Parliament.

Historically, the rich and educated governed the country - the legacy of that is still a long way from being overcome.

explodingkitten · 26/01/2019 10:26

kitten. Are you a member of a local political association and vote in candidate selection ballots, or do you just rely on others to select the candidates you approve of?

No. I fail to see what that has to do with the question that the OP asked.

SilverySurfer · 26/01/2019 11:44

I wouldn't vote for anyone who hadn't lived and worked as an adult. Corbyn never had a proper job between university and Westminster and it shows. He still behaves like a student.

ChariotsofFish · 26/01/2019 13:02

silverysurfer, umm that’s not true. He was 34 when first elected go parliament. He’d had plenty of jobs.

SilverySurfer · 26/01/2019 13:16

Mostly for Trade Unions which I wouldn't call proper jobs.

Ali1cedowntherabbithole · 26/01/2019 13:29

18 year olds can be passionate about politics, articulate speakers and persuasive debaters.

They tend to be media friendly and savvy users of social media.

I wonder though what sort of constituency MPs they make away from the cameras?

Do constituents feel able to confide in them about delicate subject matter?

Do they have the skills and empathy to listen to and help people with chaotic lives?

I don't think being a good media performer makes someone a good MP and I would be concerned an 18 yo candidate.

Having said that - despite rumours of an Election in The spring, the next scheduled GE isn't until 2022, so the putative candidate won't be 18 any more. Grin

BoneyBackJefferson · 26/01/2019 13:39

Strange responses from people that usually want young people to be active in politics.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 26/01/2019 13:41

Personally I'd wonder if the party was struggling to find suitable candidates, and if so why

Okay so he's probably the puppet of some pressure group or influential relative, but while it's good he's taking an interest, fielding someone with so little experience is just laughable

newyear2019newusername · 26/01/2019 13:42

No. I fail to see what that has to do with the question that the OP asked.

Because the 18 year old will have been selected by the membership of the local political association. Which means that party members can influence who stands.

If you don't like the candidates - join the party and influence who is chosen to run in the election!

2b1c51 · 26/01/2019 14:48

I think I live locally to you OP as I recognise this scenario. If I do, the candidate in question has been involved in local community events and has made a bit of a name for himself on a local issue campaign. He comes across as a bit pompous (probably because his statements are a bit incongruous with his age) but he also seems very passionate and I think will do a good job if elected. At that age I remember feeling like I could do anything and I was untainted by the cynicism that seems to develop as you get older! I think I'd prefer his naive passion to a jaded old career politician, although practically I think you'd need a balance.

explodingkitten · 27/01/2019 00:57
  • No. I fail to see what that has to do with the question that the OP asked.

Because the 18 year old will have been selected by the membership of the local political association. Which means that party members can influence who stands.

If you don't like the candidates - join the party and influence who is chosen to run in the election!*

This is a weird answer. I said that I was fine with an 18 year old standing for election so why would I want to change that?

Teateaandmoretea · 27/01/2019 07:59

Well it depends. If for example he was brought up on a council estate and watched his parents struggle and and budget then Yes.
However if he comes from a middle or upper class estate and went to a£10,000 per term private school them No. He's not had enough or anytime IN the RW. Mind you I'm singling him out there as which politician has had to live in the Real world.

I disagree, living on a council estate doesn't make you more qualified than someone who has grown up in an environment where parents and those around you educate you about business on a daily basis. Council estates are no more the real world than anywhere else. Neither would be remotely suitable as both are narrow experience, as we all have during childhood. An MP should be at least late 20s. That said I think generally the balance is too far the other way.

BitchQueen90 · 27/01/2019 08:07

It would depend on the 18 year old.

I left home at 17 and lived by myself paying rent and working full time. Not every 18 year old has the same life experience.

TaMereAPoilDevantPrisu · 27/01/2019 08:10

If it's a council election, an 18 year old councillor representing the interests of young people would be great.

Ali1cedowntherabbithole · 27/01/2019 08:42

If it's a council election, an 18 year old councillor representing the interests of young people would be great

In theory I agree with this, however the brother of one of DS’ friends was elected to a town council a few years ago and was indeed given the portfolio for young people. Unfortunately, he got bored with the role very quickly and stopped attending meetings.

Clearly not 18 yo are like that, but the reality of being an elected representative isn’t for many at that age.

unlimiteddilutingjuice · 27/01/2019 08:59

He'll be in a very safe seat for the opposition and the party are letting him have a bash for practice.
The same was true for Mhairi Black initially--the outcome came as a bit of a shock to everyone.
I hate to say this as I'm generally a fan of Mhairi's but I think her brilliance is a little overstated. She's done some excellent barn storming speaches but her overall attendance in Parliament isn't the best and her constituency office could be more effectively managed.
I also think that she has struggled a bit with the general pressure and weirdness of parliament.

Ladymargarethall · 27/01/2019 09:33

Does anyone remember the videos of a young William Hague? He must have got into politics at quite an early age.