Ben Fearn, the 21 year-old Manchester University graduate selected earlier this year as Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Derbyshire Dales – seat of the Tory transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin – has been interviewed by Digital Journal (hat-tip Charlotte Henry). You can watch a 3-minute video below, which includes the announcement of his selection, and read a fuller interview with him here. Incidentally he’s billed as the “youngest ever Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate”, but are there rivals to that title? Let us know below-the-line…
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10 Comments
Sadly I think the former LY Chair, Alan Belmore was 20 when he stood in 2010? Either way, thats irrelevant, what matters is we still have really great young candidates willing to fly the flag. Good luck to Ben who I’m sure would make a fantastic MP!
I don’t think anyone under say, about 30 to 40 should get to be an MP. I’d like MPs who have lived in the real world and been a success in the real world. If people become MPs after university they’re basically gonna be professional politicians.
How old was Chris Wiggin when he stood in 2010?
An Inspiration !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Mr Wallace
Well, that would have meant Charles Kennedy wouldn’t have become an MP – which would have been a shame!
All the best of luck Ben. Build a good team. Be honest even if you don’t know the answers, and work like Hell! 🙂
Do we know if Ben Fearn belongs to the Fearn political dynasty ?
I was 24 when I stood in 2010. However Alan Belmore was definitely younger – he was 19 or 20.
It is great that we still have so many dedicated people prepared to fly the party flag – there is nothing that can prepare you for the realities of candidacy, especially the increased media interest and opposition hostility, so actually getting out there and doing it will hold all our candidates in great stead for the future.
I wish Ben all the best for his campaign!
I think that Rhys Taylor was 18 or 19 when he stood for Ynys Mon at the 2010 election – he then was elected Wales’ Youngest City Councillor at 19 years of age !
Good luck Ben, great interview, good profile – keep up the good work – a fresh face and genuine and sincere, great stuff. Ed