Following the appointment of Ben Bradley as Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party for youth and with a focus on young members, the party announced at its spring forum which took place on 16th March in Richmond Park And North Kingston, London that it was relaunching a youth wing under the original name 'Young Conservatives'.
Ribble Valley Conservative Association is delighted to announce that it has relaunched its own Young Conservatives branch.
Peter Byrne, Deputy Chair Political of Ribble Valley Young Conservatives, states, “The aim is to increase youth engagement in the association by focusing on activities which are tangible for the success of the party by putting young people at the heart of campaigning in the Ribble Valley Constituency.”
Councillor Ged Mirfin, who is Deputy Chairman of Ribble Valley Conservative Association states, “Young Conservative members are full members of the Conservative Party and will be represented fully within decision making in the Association. Young Conservatives are the future of the party and will be key to our succession planning for the future. It is from this group of people, like Ben Bradley, that the next generation of Conservative Councillors and MPs will emerge. That is why it so important to give them all the encouragement we can at this formative stage.”
Young Conservative branches will be “integrated within local associations”, electing their own officers – eligibility for voting will be capped at 25
Ken Hind, Campaign Co-ordination and Election Agent for the Association states, “I look forward to working closely with the Young Conservatives over the next 12 months as we approach the All-Out Borough Council Elections in both the Ribble Valley And South Ribble parts of the Constituency when we will be fielding 59 candidates. The primary job of the Young Conservatives in the coming months will be to get Conservative Councillors elected in the Ribble Valley Constituency repeating our success in 2015.”
Peter Byrne continues, “Now is a great time to become a Young Conservative. Youth unemployment has fallen by 400,000 since 2010. A fall of 40% Its a great time to get involved in politics and help shape the future as far as Young People - particularly those who have become eligible to vote since 2015 are concerned. Joining Ribble Valley Young Conservatives offers the chance for our Association members in Ribble Valley aged between 16 and 25 to come together, get involved in politics and discuss the issues that matter to them. We aim to provide a political voice to young Conservatives living within the constituency.”
Peter further continues, “We run a range of events and activities, from policy discussions to meetings with MPs, and social evenings to leafleting and canvassing sessions, so there is room for everyone to get involved.”
Ged Mirfin continues, “The Young Conservatives played a major role during the General Election of 2017 in both the Ribble Valley and South Ribble Constituencies as well as in neighbouring Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale & Darwen. We encourage our Young Conservative members to take up the many opportunities we offer to join us in our campaigning activities; from canvassing and delivering literature, to standing as Conservative candidates in local elections.”
David Peat, Chairman of Ribble Valley Conservative Association states, “The Young Conservatives is all about involving young people in politics and addressing the issues that matter to them. If you want to contribute to the future of the country, why not join the Young Conservatives and be part of the UK’s fastest-growing movement for under 25s in politics.”
Ged Mirfin continues, “Members of the Young Conservatives come from a whole range of backgrounds just like you – whatever your experience of life, whatever your level of political interest – the Young Conservatives can cater for your interests. Whether you have lots of time or hardly any – you can get involved as much or as little as you like.”
David Peat concludes, “Our younger members are the Association's lifeblood and we rely on the new generation of activists to energise the local Party.”
If you are interested in learning more about Ribble Valley, Young Conservatives, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]