The minimum age to become a member of parliament is 21 but soon, due a recommendation by the Electoral Commission, it could be lowered to 18. Do our teenagers really want to become MPs though? The average teenager seems more interested in sex and music, but this is exactly what the Electoral Commission wants to combat. By getting more young people involved in politics they hope to raise enthusiasm in voting, making young people see that its not just men in their fifties who are elected to represent them. There are many arguments yet to be had, for and against the idea. To many it would make sense that if a person can vote at 18 they should also be able to stand for office. 18 is fast becoming the year of coming of age, with 21st birthdays holding little significance other than for the riotous parties. The youth of Britain deserves a voice and representation just as much as any other age group. Although an 18, or even a 16, year old would have little comparative experience of life and politics to a 40 year old, their experience is far different and no less valuable. Our politicians should represent a cross section of British life, in sex, race and age. On the negative side, few adults are likely to trust teenagers with decisions of national importance. Selection committees will always favour experienced candidates: the age barrier is currently set at twenty one, but how many MPs under 30 can you find in the House of Commons? Very few. Finding the right candidates can be a tough job, but when those rare people come along their age should not work against them. The Conservative Party is considered the party of freedom and choice. They back making the minimum age for candidates 18. |
