A STUDENT with ambitions of becoming an MP says his generation must stand up to be counted and not lose faith in politics.
Jacob Brownbill, who studies Politics at Priestley College, said his peers must not let apathy win when the opportunity to tackle issues and vote in future elections present themselves.
“If we want change there’s no point in waiting for a Government that is full of people older to make that change,” he said.
“We have to stand up and make it happen ourselves.”
Jacob has recently returned to the classrooms at Priestley College following a visit to the House of Commons where he joined fellow members of the Youth Parliament.
Sitting in the green seats usually reserved for elected members of Parliament, he joined debates about the environment, mental health and wellbeing as well as the cost of living.
The next generation of politicians were there as part of the British Youth Council’s ‘Make Your Mark’ campaign, which seeks to raise matters most important to the youngest members of society.
“It was surreal to be there and inspiring at the same time,” said Jacob. “It reinforced my passion for it and I want to go back as an MP one day.”
Jacob looks up to North West politicians such as Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham and Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury.
At Priestley College he is studying A-Levels in History, Politics and Philosophy as well as a Journalism course and The Graduate – a programme designed to help students secure places at the most competitive universities in the country.
His interest in politics started during his time at The Heath in Runcorn where he joined the school council.
The teenager was further inspired to enter politics seeing injustices in his local community and the struggles people face every day.
“A lot of the issues have been around for a long time, but unless we stand up and talk about them they will never go away,” he said.
