Sam Carling, a 22-year-old Labour candidate, has been elected as an MP for North West Cambridgeshire with a narrow margin of 39 votes, defeating the seasoned Conservative MP Shailesh Vara. Despite his young age, Carling, a Cambridge University science graduate student, hopes that his age will not be the primary focus as he begins his journey in Westminster.
Sam Carling is set to earn the informal moniker of the “baby of the House,” which is bestowed upon the most youthful individual serving in the House of Commons.
“I want us to get away from this strange mindset towards younger people’s age. As far as I’m concerned we’re just the same as anyone else. I just want to get on with the job.”
Carling’s victory, which he described as a “political earthquake,” has inspired him to encourage more young people to pursue public office. He believes that increased representation of youth in Parliament and local councils will help combat apathy among the younger generation.
Although many voters were initially surprised to learn of his candidacy, Carling found that “people on the doorstep were very positive” and supportive of having more young people in politics. Despite the online abuse often directed at younger individuals, he encountered a generally enthusiastic response from constituents during face-to-face interactions.
“There is a lot of abuse aimed at younger people online, but face-to-face, people are generally thrilled to find out,” BBC quoted Carling.
Growing up in a deprived rural town in north-east England, Carling witnessed firsthand the social and economic decline of his community. It wasn’t until later that he recognised the connection between these issues and the decisions made in Westminster. This realisation sparked his interest in politics.
In his constituency, which is largely based in Peterborough, Carling believes that the new Labour government must address a wide range of issues, including a shortage of dentists, overworked NHS staff, and inadequate rural transport. He sees his constituency as a microcosm of the country, reflecting the challenges faced by the nation as a whole.
As a young MP, Carling is eager to see how his generation will shape the new era of politics. With many people having only experienced a Conservative government, he argues that the Labour party can make significant changes and offer a better alternative, potentially engaging more young people in the political process.
Sam Carling is set to earn the informal moniker of the “baby of the House,” which is bestowed upon the most youthful individual serving in the House of Commons.
“I want us to get away from this strange mindset towards younger people’s age. As far as I’m concerned we’re just the same as anyone else. I just want to get on with the job.”
Carling’s victory, which he described as a “political earthquake,” has inspired him to encourage more young people to pursue public office. He believes that increased representation of youth in Parliament and local councils will help combat apathy among the younger generation.
Although many voters were initially surprised to learn of his candidacy, Carling found that “people on the doorstep were very positive” and supportive of having more young people in politics. Despite the online abuse often directed at younger individuals, he encountered a generally enthusiastic response from constituents during face-to-face interactions.
“There is a lot of abuse aimed at younger people online, but face-to-face, people are generally thrilled to find out,” BBC quoted Carling.
Growing up in a deprived rural town in north-east England, Carling witnessed firsthand the social and economic decline of his community. It wasn’t until later that he recognised the connection between these issues and the decisions made in Westminster. This realisation sparked his interest in politics.
In his constituency, which is largely based in Peterborough, Carling believes that the new Labour government must address a wide range of issues, including a shortage of dentists, overworked NHS staff, and inadequate rural transport. He sees his constituency as a microcosm of the country, reflecting the challenges faced by the nation as a whole.
As a young MP, Carling is eager to see how his generation will shape the new era of politics. With many people having only experienced a Conservative government, he argues that the Labour party can make significant changes and offer a better alternative, potentially engaging more young people in the political process.