Schoolboy aims for Number 10
A school pupil from Lincoln has taken his first step into politics after being elected to represent the city.
And Liam Young, from St Peter and St Paul Catholic High School will not stop there.
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aiming high: Liam Young, 14, has been tipped by his teachers at St Peter and St Paul School, in Lincoln, for the job at Number 10. Picture: Chris Vaughan
The 14 year old has been elected to the UK Youth Parliament to represent the city of Lincoln – something he sees as the first step to becoming Prime Minister.
The articulate, popular boy who is "passionate" about politics, put together a manifesto which impressed students from his school and others in Lincoln.
"I have always had the ambition to be Prime Minister. I'm always watching the news and looking at political programmes and things like that," he said.
More than 15,000 young people from secondary schools across the county voted.
There were 49 candidates in total, standing for all areas of Lincolnshire.
Only three were chosen – Liam for the city of Lincoln.
His main aims for Lincoln are to improve public transport by making it cheaper and more sustainable and creating areas for young people in Lincoln which provide facilities and activities to help them get involved in the community.
When asked what he would do if he became Prime Minster, he said; "I would want to make sure everybody had a fair chance in life, no matter who they were or which background the were from.
"Anyone who wanted to go to further education should have the chance.
"Maybe it's because I'm a kid, but I don't think it's fair when people are rejected.
"Some things are in need of change, but I would like to think that the things that are going well could stay that way unless they were falling behind, say like a problem with the NHS, where it should be looked at."
11 Comments
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by Nick, Lincoln
Monday, March 22 2010, 12:12PM
“Nice one Liam, I must apologise for the obvious pond life who probably don't even vote. We need more like you up there. Good luck, by answering these sewer rats you have already proven your integrity and maturity.”
by James, Lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 4:27PM
“Seriously I_Dunno, i like how you just try to make him look bad. He's just 14, honestly give the lad a break he's only been myp for like a month. jesus christ.”
by beatrice, lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 4:23PM
“i think the comments you are giving are rather harsh too liam, he is passionate about politics and what he has taken on, so dont pull him down by saying stupid comments, welldone liam! from your bestfriend! xxxx”
by Ross, Lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 4:22PM
“Liam just owned you Ken.. x”
by Liam, Lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 4:21PM
“My dad isn't the typical plumber, and no theres no charged rate, he works on a building site, where many jobs are being lost and where I understand that problems may arise and will wish to support development.
I find it disturbing however that you wish to downtalk a child and try to blur the main image of the UKYP with comments like these.”
by I_dunno, Lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 4:19PM
“Real life as the son of a plumber!! When he picks you up does he charge a call out fee? Fatherly advice offered at an hourly rate? Does he tut and suck through his teeth when you ask for more pocket money, say I'll have to get back to you on that one? When you leave school get a real job and experience a bit of life as the rest of us know it. Instead of getting on your high horse and telling the rest of us how it should be. You're not saying anything new. People have been spouting wonderful things about stuff since time began. When you get old enough to be as cynical as me, you realise that it is all b*****cks.”
by Liam, Lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 4:09PM
“Hello everyone, I'm Liam that is stated above.
I hope from the article you gained the fact that I am passionate about politics and I understand that many of you are mad with politicians and scandals that have surrounded westminster.
However, I am here on the UKYP to represent everyone under the age of 18, as they are entitled to as much of a view as anyone else under the fairness and equality act.
My family is from a normal background and so I have experience family life as a real living, my dad is a plumber and so I understand about the working trade and populas.
I just wish that people wouldn't jump to conclusions, I feel this is a really good opportunity for me and I am happy to have been elected, however I feel it is wrong for people to judge me on current politicians and my age.”
by I_dunno, Lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 2:22PM
“Has he covered how to do his expenses yet?
Seriously, a few years working for a living would help him and other "career" politicians before they entered parliament.”
by chuckles, Lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 1:41PM
“Good on you Liam, nice to see youngsters taking an interest in these things. Hope you get to the top!”
by Emma Wasp, Lincoln
Monday, March 01 2010, 11:31AM
“Ken, I'm fairly sure the youth parliament doesn't have any say in whether government policies actually get implemented or not.
Jesus.”