After two weeks in the role, it’s time to say hello to all the ERS members and supporters who have donated towards the Lakeman Fellowship. Without them, I wouldn’t be getting my legs under the table as the second Lakeman Fellow at the Electoral Reform Society.
I’m someone who didn’t do especially well at school, I got my GCSE’s and then went to do an apprenticeship. While politics has interested me for my whole adult life, it's not something I ever thought I’d have the qualifications to be a part of, it’s an incredibly hard sector to get your foot in the door. That’s the first reason why I’m excited for the opportunity to work at the ERS.
When I saw that the Electoral Reform Society ran a scheme, funded by their supporters, that could give me the leg up I needed, I just knew I had to apply.
The work that the Electoral Reform Society undertakes deeply resonates with me. Democracy is not something that is ever done, it has to grow, evolve and be protected. The reforms that the ERS advocate for, that of proportional representation, votes at 16 and House of Lords reform, are in my opinion necessary steps in the evolution of democracy. That’s the second reason why I’m excited for the opportunity to work at the ERS.
I’ve now been working at the ERS for just under two weeks, in that time I’ve met most of the team. They’re an incredibly passionate, hardworking and intelligent group and I’m enthused to work alongside them and learn from them. That’s the third reason why I’m excited for the opportunity to work at the ERS.
So to the incredible members of the ERS who made this opportunity possible, I wish to offer you a heartfelt thank you. I look forward to updating you on my journey in the future.