My name is Asher Mohammed. I am 15, a school student and was recently elected as the Young Labour under-19s officer.

Currently, anyone who is under the age of 19 in the Labour party is expected to attend canvassing sessions, race to the local Labour office for a photo session for social media – but then be confronted by a closed door when it comes to real policy discussions. Unfortunately, the U19s section is still too separate from the mainstream of Young Labour activity. I stood to deliver radical changes to the U19s section. I want to take U19 members away from just being used as a photo opportunity, to being able to stand up and be counted.

First, I want to ensure that young members are engaged within the party’s policymaking process. During election times we are first to canvass for our party, I want to ensure we have regular discussions with U19s across the country and ensure our Young Labour campaigns reflect the ideas and contributions of all its members.

Second, I want to work with the national Young Labour committee to set up a hardship fund specific to U19s. Most of the U19s youth section are studying and rely on financial support from parents. Conference costs are pricing young members out of our democracy. Politics is about the talent and qualities of our members, not their pockets.

Third, I will introduce regular training for U19 members. From public speaking to campaigning workshops I believe it is our duty that we support and develop the skills of our young members to make sure we are giving them their money’s worth for their membership. Training and workshops will give members the skills to become more active and vocal.

Lastly, as a Pakistani Muslim, events at pubs can be inaccessible. Moreover, most U19 members cannot legally drink. So staying at socials in pubs for more than an hour can be both a painstaking and uncomfortable process. I am not calling for an anti-alcohol revolution, I want to ensure that our socials are representative of, and accessible to, our membership.

There is a long way for the U19s section of Young Labour to go. If Young Labour does not take us seriously, then how will the national party?

I was so pleased to meet U19 members from around the country and discuss the changes they want to see. If there are just 28 U19 delegates to a conference of hundreds of national delegates, that is a problem. If a 14-year-old has to pay £200 to attend a Young Labour conference in an inaccessible conference location, that is a problem. If a 14-year-old is so lacking support that (s)he is afraid to stand for an internal election all because of their age, that is a problem.

As U19 officer I will work tirelessly to sort these problems out. I was brought up to never take no for an answer. Will I now? Hell, no!

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Asher Mohammed is Young Labour under-19s officer. He tweets @AsherMoh00

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Photo: UK Parliament