East Worthing and Shoreham Labour Party

Emily Benn, PPC

Hey,

I'm Emily Benn, and I'm the prospective parliamentary candidate for East Worthing and Shoreham for the Labour Party.

I was born on the 4th October, 1989 (bang in the middle of Labour Party Conference), at Mayday Hospital in South London. My parents are Stephen Benn and Nita Clarke, and I've got a brother Daniel who is 2 and a bit years younger than me. I'm very proud of my family's heritage around the world, as my Dad is half-American and my mum is Half-Indian.

School-wise, I went to Woodside Primary School, Wallington High School for Girls for my GCSEs, and then St Olave's for my A levels. To keep my geek factor up, I did A level Latin (and loved it). I'm starting at Oxford University in October 2008, to study History and Politics. As I was selected when I was only 17, I had my A level year at school while being a PPC, which at times was an interesting combination.

I got into Labour Politics relatively early, first-off with my family from about the age of 2, and 1997 is one of my strongest memories (partly seeing my Mum the happiest I think she's ever been in her life). Then I got involved in my own way, forming my own ideas, and I got the chance, finally, to join the Labour Party on my 14th birthday. Since then I've tried to get involved in earnest in many different campaigns, both for and outside elections. I'm particularly interested in international development, ensuring every child has a high-quality education to be able to reach their potential, and helping the most vulnerable in society. I'm not good with injustice or things I perceive as being unfair, which is the main reason I've tried to 'get into Politics', as people call it.

People do ask why I'm getting involved so heavily so young. Well, there's an easy way of answering that. I don't want to sit around and accept things that I know can be better, so that when I'm 55 I've become older and bitter. If people in my generation can get active, to work with people of all generations together, then we have a far greater chance of sorting out the problems we face. It is only by getting involved early that we can help shape the world we want to live in. You cannot exclude a whole generation of people out of the political process just because of their age. The representative body of this country should be truly representative of this country.

I have much respect for people whose views differ from mine, and that's what's great about politics - my opinions are being constantly challenged and I do the same to others. I don't hate the 'other sides', just try to get our views across. I know that MPs and PPCs of all parties work incredibly hard, and I recognise their efforts. I don't believe personal attacks, or rudeness, have any place in politics, so criticise my policies by all means, but none of the 'fat git' stuff, cheers!

Aside from politics, my great passion is playing music. I started playing the violin when I was 5, and it has given me fantastic opportunities since then. I got to lead the Croydon Youth Orchestra when I was 14-15, and I led Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra for the past year, going on tour with them to France, Italy and Austria. When I was 15, I got accepted into the Royal College of Music Junior Department, 9-5 every Saturday, which quickly became the highlight of my week. This has made me committed to ensuring every young person in this country has access to affordable and quality music education - music should not be the preserve of solely those who are luckily enough to afford it.

I also love watching sport. I support Tottenham Hotspur Football Club (go Spurs!), Cincinnati Reds Baseball team, and the Kolkata Knight Riders Cricket team.

My ultimate dream is to become an Olympic athlete, but I fear I've left it too late for that. Maybe I'll wake up and suddenly be an amazing hurdler, but somehow I doubt it.

Anyway get in touch with me, via email or post, as I really want to hear from you.

Happenings