Student Represents Our School at National Political Conference
Last weekend, one of our Head Students, Mackenzie Gregory, attended the Autumn Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth.
Mackenzie has been an active member of the party’s East of England Regional Policy Committee since being elected last year. The committee helps design policies that reflect the needs of our region and ensures that the East of England’s priorities are heard at a federal level. (The Liberal Democrats are a federal party, with Scotland, Wales, and England each having their own structures; England is then further divided into 14 regions, including ours.)
In the lead-up to this autumn’s conference, Mackenzie and the committee held consultative sessions to review and refine policy motions. One of the key topics discussed was the motion “Backing Youth Work to Build Communities.” This policy calls for proper funding and a clear national strategy to support youth centres and youth workers, while also ensuring young people have a voice in shaping the services they use.
Mackenzie also spoke on stage to propose an amendment the East of England policy committee wrote from these consultative sessions, highlighting the challenges faced by rural young people, who are often isolated and have less access to youth services than those in towns and cities. The amendment called for equal access and trials of mobile youth work teams. The amendment passed and will now form part of the party’s policy platform and manifesto at the next general election.
“It’s been inspiring to hear from people across the region and work together on ideas that could make a real difference,” Mackenzie said. “Being able to meet so many passionate members in person at conference made the experience even better.”
The conference also provided valuable networking opportunities. Mackenzie met the candidates to be the prospective candidate for Norfolk and Suffolk Mayor, connected with party members from across the UK, and even took on the challenge of collecting signatures from MPs on a special Liberal Democrat Top Trumps card set- managing an impressive 60 out of 72!
While at conference, Mackenzie was also interviewed by ITV, BBC, and Times Radio for short social media vox pops. They were asked for their views on Sir Ed Davey’s campaign stunts, which have gained attention for making politics more engaging, and shared ideas on how the party could continue to improve and connect with voters.
On Sunday evening, Mackenzie attended a fringe event with former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who shared insights from his time in government and his work at Meta while launching his new book How to Save the Internet (now proudly signed by the author!).
Reflecting on the weekend, Mackenzie shared:
“Conference isn’t just for older people, the Liberal Democrats are an incredibly democratic party, and anyone’s voice can shape policy. It’s been great to see how much thought and nuance goes into the process.”
We’re proud to see one of our Head Students taking such an active role in national politics and using their voice to represent young people in shaping the future.
If you would like to hear Mackenzie speaking please follow HERE
