Young politician up for election

Rebecca takes on the world

By WES POWELL

Above and below right, Rebecca out on the campaign trail

For many students in the city, balancing studies, a social life, part-time employment and other responsibilities can be a challenging and strenuous task.

Yet for 18-year-old Rebecca Turner, free time has become even more scarce, as she has to run a political campaign on the side – one which she hopes will see her into office as a Liverpool City Councillor.

The first-year physics student, who studies at the University of Liverpool, entered the world of politics as a Liberal Democrats Youth Officer in the wake of the 2016 Brexit referendum.

“I was never really into politics per se, I was more just about helping out the community,” she said.

“But after the vote happened, and we decided to leave the EU, that’s when I wanted to learn much more about it and get involved.”

Rebecca, who lives in Gateacre, has now officially been selected as the Lib Dem city council candidate for Wavertree, although her chances of success seem historically stacked against her.

In the previous local elections in 2019, the ward saw Labour take 52% of the vote, compared to the Liberal Democrats’ 20%. However, a change in campaign strategy; and a real desire for success; makes Rebecca confident that she’ll be elected.

“This time around is different, because the candidate that stood before me was more of a ‘paper’ candidate,” she said. “While he wanted to win, there just weren’t many resources being put into Wavertree, whereas I’m really trying to do everything I possibly can. “I’m trying to be much more visible in the ward, going out and making connections with the people and getting to know the area. I’m putting time towards solving the issues, I’ve been campaigning every day, and feel like I haven’t had five minutes to myself. Be I was never really into politics per se, I was more just about helping out the community ‘ ‘ cause of this, I hope people will know that I’m standing, instead of just being someone on the ballot.”

Being such a young age compared to most council candidates, Rebecca is pleased to say she doesn’t feel that she’s ever treated differently, although people are often taken aback by her youthful appearance.

“A couple of people have said ‘Oh, are you the candidate? You look quite young!’, but I’ve always been very open and accepting about it. I’ve got a good team, and I’m doing all I can.”

In this regard, Rebecca is very keen to encourage the younger generations to involve themselves with politics, just as she did over her teenage years.

“I would tell young people to 100% go for it. I think you should throw yourself into it if it’s what you’re passionate about. There’s nothing to lose.”

If her campaign is successful, and sees her elected come May, the daunting prospect of having to balance a full-time degree with important council responsibilities has already been well thought over.

“When I go back to university after summer, I know it could be really hard,” she said. “I will have to make a lot more time for council duties, whether that’s in the evenings and weekends, and I know I’ll be much busier. But it’s something I’ve put myself forward for, so I want to carry it through and give as much as possible.”

Other candidates that Rebecca will face in May include Clare McIntyre from the Labour Party and the Greens’ David Morgan.