‘Politics has a problem with young women. I’ve seen it first hand’
Source: Labour List
When I stood for election last year, I knew I’d be pushing boundaries.
I was young, passionate, and unashamedly ambitious—not for power, but for change. On polling day, I became the youngest councillor in the UK, winning by a landslide. That should have been the start of something empowering. But what followed was a sharp lesson in how politics still treats young women who step into the spotlight.
The morning after my win, I was pulled aside and told: “It’s not going to be easy. The other women will see you as a threat.” That comment didn’t come from an opponent. It came from someone who thought they were offering advice.
But I’ve never believed in tearing others down to lift myself up. I believe in collaboration over competition, and I want to see more women—especially young women—find the confidence to step into public life. We need more voices at the table, not fewer.
I’ve always known that being young in politics meant I’d be underestimated. But nothing quite prepares you for the way people second-guess your intentions, question your competence, or assume you’re just here for the photo ops. They didn’t see the months I spent canvassing, listening, scrutinising council decisions before I was even elected. They don’t see the hours spent poring over policy papers or the late nights preparing to challenge proposals that fail our communities.
Read here the full article published by Labour List on 19 April 2025.
Image by LabourList
When I stood for election last year, I knew I’d be pushing boundaries.
I was young, passionate, and unashamedly ambitious—not for power, but for change. On polling day, I became the youngest councillor in the UK, winning by a landslide. That should have been the start of something empowering. But what followed was a sharp lesson in how politics still treats young women who step into the spotlight.
The morning after my win, I was pulled aside and told: “It’s not going to be easy. The other women will see you as a threat.” That comment didn’t come from an opponent. It came from someone who thought they were offering advice.
But I’ve never believed in tearing others down to lift myself up. I believe in collaboration over competition, and I want to see more women—especially young women—find the confidence to step into public life. We need more voices at the table, not fewer.
I’ve always known that being young in politics meant I’d be underestimated. But nothing quite prepares you for the way people second-guess your intentions, question your competence, or assume you’re just here for the photo ops. They didn’t see the months I spent canvassing, listening, scrutinising council decisions before I was even elected. They don’t see the hours spent poring over policy papers or the late nights preparing to challenge proposals that fail our communities.
Read here the full article published by Labour List on 19 April 2025.
Image by LabourList