Labour’s Deputy Leader Angela Rayner and Labour by-election candidate Simon Lightwood visited Wakefield College to speak to young students about voting for the first time in a parliamentary election, and what it’s like to be a young person in Wakefield today.
Angela and Simon met a group of History, Politics and Sociology students from Wakefield College, where they discussed public transport, jobs and opportunities, mental health and the cost of living.
One of the key topics that came up was participation in politics, and how to get young people engaged with politics.
Angela Rayner said: “It’s been brilliant meeting Wakefield students today. It’s really important that young people feel engaged in our democracy and have their voices heard.
“This group are bright, straight-talking and full of ideas. We could all learn a lot by listening to them and their current priorities and future dreams.”
Simon Lightwood, Labour’s candidate for the by-election said: “I came to Wakefield to study when I was 18 years old. The opportunities I had when I came here made me who I am today. We have a huge amount of potential and talent in our young people, we owe it to them to give them the best possible start in life through excellent skills and education, jobs and opportunities.
“My plan for Wakefield will attract the industry, jobs and investment to give young people opportunities for high-skilled, well-paid work without needing to commute outside of Wakefield.”