Hustings
All hustings will be hosted on Google Meet. Joining instructions will be published here alongside the relevant events. Hustings with timings that are still TBC are subject to changing day as well.

Thursday 10th October

• None

Friday 11th October

• Federal Non-Portfolio Officer Hustings - Watch the recording here.
   
• Federal Chair Hustings - Watch the recording here.
   

Saturday 12th October

• Federal Elections Officer Hustings - Watch the recording here.
   

Sunday 13th October

• English Young Liberals Chair Hustings -Watch the recording here.

Monday 14th October

• Federal Racial Equity, Diversity and Liberation Officer Hustings - Watch the recording here.

Tuesday 15th October

• Federal Honorary Vice-President Hustings - Watch the recording here.
   

Federal Fundraising Officer, Secretary, and International Officer Q&As

Please submit questions to elections@youngliberals.uk for candidates for the above positions. These will be published before the opening of voting on Wednesday.

Committee Q&As

Committees and Councils:

• Federal Campaigns and Communications Committee - No questions submitted
   
• Federal Policy Committee
  
  1. When you are on Policy Committee where would most of your policy be targeted?
  
  Cormac Evans - Thank you for the question. In terms of my particular personal policy interests, I have a particular interest in industrial policy, tax policy and civil liberties - so if given the chance I would champion issues in those policy areas. Additionally, I think while I have my personal policy interests, I think it is equally important that I am as committed to providing policy feedback, and helping to support and review policy motions to ensure that our policy proposals speak for the entirety of YL and not just those on Committee.
  
  Brandon Masih - First thing’s first is that YL policy committee’s role isn’t exactly to write policy for YL conf - our target should be to engage a wider range of people to submit policy motions from a wide range of topics that can get selected. What policy committee, working with the policy officer, can do however is look at the state of the policy book, see which motions expire within the next year (or even two), and make a point of whether we believe we’d want to keep it in the book (or whether it is also federal policy) and whether they can be combined with other existing motions to condense the policy book down from its over 100 pages atm. Given we are in a period just after a General Election, it would be good to begin undertaking this task (with wider membership feedback) and being proactive working with say, regional and state chairs, to highlight to members our intentions to start condensing (and potentially revise policy) to be in a state to push for federal policy with people from broad backgrounds across the states and regions feeding in.
  Where policy committee can actually aid the Policy Officer with pushing policy comes with the upcoming papers to Federal Conference. Whilst not a working group, the policy many members will have the keenest interest for young persons voices to contribute to is the LGBTQ+ policy being consulted on by Equalities Spokesperson Christine Jardine, expected for Spring Conference. This consultation does close on 1st November (and I hope many have already, or will, highlight the need for bold and unashamed support for trans rights in consultation responses) but this is something policy committee can help with the policy officer in feeding in after the consultation, and if we feel wording should be stronger come spring conference motions, push for an amendment aligned with our existing YL policies.
  I think policy committee would be able to adopt a similar approach to the working groups on Opportunity and Skills & Science and Technology. Both are working groups that have had consultations before the General Election, are due for motions on Spring Conference, and policy committee can work with the policy officer, who as a member of FPC, can feedback on any developments in the papers that we could do with an amendment from YL and identify how to draft it (and whether interim policy needs adopting.) It would be worth noting that though the Opportunity and Skills working group doesn’t include higher education in its remit. However, with the referenced back YL motion on graduate taxation, it would still be worth ensuring YL does have a policy on its books ahead of spring conference so if that debate looks to be brought to federal conf (given current university funding dilemmas), we are ready to get young voices into that debate and/or amend as appropriate.
  Finally, there are two new Federal Policy working groups (Policy review and Climate Change) which Policy Committee can work with the Policy Officer to aid members during the course of this next year to submit responses to, and put together a response on behalf of YL for based on our current policy (and any other feedback) - this is a good opportunity to reach out to regional and state chairs etc to promote to local parties within their regions to highlight we’re looking for input for highlighting policy to federal.
  
  Johan Prinsloo - I feel YL need to seize the opportunity to take the lead on education policy. I think for a long time such policy in many regards has been neglected, which I think was greatly demonstrated with the whole fiasco with private school fees. The federal party stated clear opposition to the policy, but then at YL conference we had a whole panel of people who stated that the idea was good and that we shouldn't be opposed to it. I have proven in my time in YL that I have been committed to education policy, passing a motion at my first ever conference in Sheffield on Reforming Citizenship Education which passed almost unanimously. To write the policy, I consulted teachers of citizenship education and looked at House of Lords reports on the matter, and I hope in the future to support the creation of more policy like it to take to federal Lib Dems conferences. Furthermore, at the most recent London YL conference I submitted an amendment to the policy on Abolishing Fee Paying Education which also passed, along with the motion itself. If I do get elected, I will try and bring forward ambitious policy like this to Liberal Democrats conference and build upon our success in recent years with policy at conferences.
  
  Harvey Thomas-Benton - First and foremost, I think the purpose of policy committee is to advance the policy views of YLers, not just our own. Our job is to support the officer in having your voice heard on Federal Policy Committee, and to support you in policy making at a YL level. My manifesto is clear that I want to help expand the roster of policy writers in YL towards more diverse backgrounds and more diverse policy areas. 
  In a more direct response to the question, my policy interests are primarily in gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. I want to see YL remain at the forefront of radical liberalism within the party. If re-elected, I would work to ensure YL keeps that vital position in the party.
   
• Federal Events Committee - No questions submitted
   
• International Committee
  
  1. We tend to assign rough portfolios to each International Committee member,  as 'LYMEC', 'IFLRY' 'Events' or perhaps ‘Social Media’. These portfolios are loose, and ultimately are meant to play to the committee members Strength. What portfolio(s) interest the candidates, and what do they think qualifies them? Bonus points for why it interests them.
  
  Christopher Johnson - I think my strengths would be played to in the LYMEC or IFLRY portfolios, since I have experience dealing with both organisations through my time at LYMEC Congress and IFLRY Study Sessions, so I have a knowledge of how both organisations work and can work well at communicating with sister parties within the organisations. I'm genuinely interested in building our position within these organisations and in learning more about the cultures of our sister parties' countries.
  
  Trystan Lloyd - The LYMEC and IFLRY portfolios interest me the most; LYMEC because of my French roots and wanting to know more about how young political activist engage with the EU. I'm also interested in IFLRY because it is a forum where liberals from around the world come and discuss topics, debate motions and action on the mutual agreements made at IFLRY. 
  Of the two, I am more curious about IFLRY, and that's because it serves as a global platform where young liberals from different worlds come and meet and learn from each other. Having lived half my life in Canada and being tri national, I feel more connected to IFLRY then LYMEC simply because I haven't lived in the EU even though I am an EU citizen. Furthermore, my languages skill would be more helpful within IFLRY then LYMEC because the greater diversity of sister party means that English does not dominate that space.
  
  Josh Lucas Mitte - While something I would really like to take part in is making international more open to YLers, and events would be a great way to do this, I am also quite interested in ILFRY as I believe it’s important we expand our network with non-western parties (more on this on the next question). I’ve already seen how this can be done such as with JULAC, where I spoke on a panel to inform their members about our party and election results - I believe we could offer something similar to our members, hearing from other countries through online meetings. Although this would fall under events, I do think networking skills and being able to build relationships will be essential to this, as having strong relations and reciprocal arrangements means more of our partner parties would be willing to spare some time to talk with our members, so we can learn more about them and what’s being done in the international scale, especially in places like the EU or COP.
  
  Oliver Poyser - I’m going to put forward three answers to this: 
  Number one is LYMEC. I got to meet with our European colleagues at LYMEC and the ELF’s Liberal Communicator's Network - Youth Edition (to use the full title) and it was a genuinely amazing experience. They were all absolutely wonderful people to meet, whether it was when discussing policy and communication strategies or partying in one of Lille’s surprisingly numerous faux-Irish nightclubs - all necessary networking/diplomacy, I assure you. The point being that I hope I built lasting connections with our European partners, and that I found them a joy to work with. As someone whose political awakening occurred around the Brexit referendum, I was so happy to experience at least a slither of what it’d be like if we were still in the EU. I’d also say that I make sure to keep up with European politics - a fair few mornings of mine are spent poring over the day’s Politico Brussels Playbook, so I’m well aware of the challenges and successes of our European liberal friends. 
  Number two is social media. The LCN event I mentioned had a competition for communications where we had to make an Instagram post - I made on one our liberal international connections, specifically focusing on Bristol (where I study) and how our university society is under the umbrella of a greater liberal family spread across Europe and the wider world. The post won the competition, so I would say I have degrees of social media competence that make me qualified for the portfolio, if I would take it up. Additionally, I’ve run the University of Bristol Liberal Democrats’ social media since our founding, so I have a fair bit of experience!
  Number three is what I really care about, which is internal engagement - as I’ve said during my campaign, going ‘Beyond the Abroad’. I truly believe that our international work is valuable, but I take issue with it being relegated to a separate committee, even if it is given far more focus than our rival youth parties do. I believe that internationalism is part of the core of being a liberal, and as a member of the International Committee I would push for different committees and executive positions to take a more internationalist slant in their activities. I believe it would completely synergise with our domestic politics, and should be a vital part of solving our recruitment crisis. In this, I’d hope to establish a new portfolio role of exactly that - internal engagement. By properly promoting our internationalism to young people, I believe we would make the Young Liberals the most attractive youth party in the country - especially due to the opportunities that our international partners provide, both in terms of amazing experiences and cold hard CV material. I would hope that if elected I could take on this responsibility and transform our approach to international outreach in the party.
  
  Josh Tompsett -Well, I believe that all of these are interesting portfolio's which I would be able to do. First, of all, I'm going to talk about IFLRY and LYMEC, and I would find either of these super interesting since I love meeting and interacting with new people from different walks of life and gaining their unique perspective since, I believe that every person's story is important for building a better future. Additionally, I have a lot of ideas for policy that is both building on and developing previously made policy and updating it, since as we all know, the world can change overnight and we need a robust and up to date policy which will best be able to be adapted and molded to the new problems which we are facing. The other part of policy is new things which we as a party and international parties have yet to properly build on, like the issue of Somaliland which has been a policy blackhole for the UK as well as many other countries and parties across the world, despite this being one of many places with many ongoing problems which aren't being covered. Lastly, on the topic of IFLRY and LYMEC, I have other skills which I believe would be generally useful in such circumstances, like communication, debate and teamwork. Such skills, I have gained from my time organising MUN's and other projects. 
  Secondly, I would enjoy the events portfolio since otherwise, why would I have ran for the events committee. I have a lot of organisational skills from my many projects and I have a lot of experiences with such things. I also have a wide and adaptable variety of organisational skills, which are best illustrated by my 3 roles as head of logistics in MUN's. The first one was an in person conference where we had to organise the attendance of international sister schools from across Europe as well as a variety of activities in a range of different locations. We had to manage a tight and uncertain budget and ensure that all was well for about 100 attendants. The next one was an online conference where I had the help of a large team in a reputable conference name, since it was affiliated with DMUN, which attended the UNGA this year by invite, and I was able to delegate tasks know that there was a crash pad, if ever I was to make a mistake. The final one was another online one organised by a few friends and it was the most taxing, since they gave temporally varying efforts which meant that at time I was the only person making all of the major decisions, additionally we had the struggle of advertisement without any Brand name and without any established names in the Online MUN world, which tarnished credibility, yet still we prevailed. And while I do have a consortium of other organisational and other projects, I believe that through these I would best demonstrate my point, additionally, I hope that you'll see that logistics is an interest of mine due to how many related tasks I have been involved with.
  And last but by no means least, social media. Off the bat, I am going to admit that it is not a passion of mine in the same sense that the other three portfolio tasks are. However, it is something that given the task I would be capable of rising to the task. I would consider myself to be tech savvy to the degree where I am able to do all the necessary things required for social media. Additionally, I was heavily involved in the oversight of the marketing and advertising of Studniowka, which involved methods like fundraisers to also spread the world, talking to the onsight professional marketing team as well as leaflets, posters and word of mouth. And, I do believe that it would be something new which I would ultimately enjoy and benefit from. Thank you and I hope that that answers your question.
  
  Sharan Virk - In terms of what I’m good at, social media is something I have done for the local party for a while now, since 2016 in some way or another. At first we started with FB groups and getting long form content out (that was the only type of content then really!) and under my direction we got Twitter accounts set up too. I pushed for Instagram presence in Gravesham and Sevenoaks as well as individual accounts to be set up to grow our social media. Presently, I run the Gravesham accounts and am informally in charge of photo opps and coordination in Gravesham. This goes alongside my love for content creation which I do for my personal social media too which I’m hoping to grow professionally! So I would enjoy creating media for YLIC which I hope to do anyway with my upcoming trips to Oslo and Warsaw - which can be used within YL to showcase what people can expect when they get involved.
  I would also be happy to be involved in other aspects of the committee and work alongside members whenever I can be of use. I have experience of running campaigns, event organising, liaising, really good at talking to new people and heosting. Essentially; if I can help, I will offer my time and skills! Being the eldest daughter in a brown family, heading up these type of things seems to be ingrained into me (others in my position might also agree). Being a perfectionist also tends to help here… 
  
  
  2. What do you want to achieve from working as part of the committee with our International partners and sister parties? And are there any specific partners you are looking forward to working with?
  
  Christopher Johnson - I want to work with our sister parties to ensure we can build on the policies we and our sister parties have at an international level. We can gain a lot for ourselves, the organisations and our sister parties through dialogue. I am particularly interested in working both with YDA, who will likely need some international support no matter what the results of the upcoming election, and parties in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus so we can work together at this crucial time to work against Putin both in the Ukraine War and in the other proxy wars in the region.
  
  Trystan Lloyd - Working with our sister parties, I want to help build a unified front of liberal policies and common beliefs with as many sister parties as possible. The reason being; liberalism struggles to present itself as a global movement especially when faced with populism. We represent an ideology which is easy to usurp and the consequences are erosion of peoples rights, LGBTQ rights and the environment (Ie watering down laws and regulations). I'm aware its a big dream that is still ways away but I suspect I'm not the only thinking this way and I would welcome working with anyone who wants part of the same thing.
  
  Josh Lucas Mitte - I really want to expand out network with Hispanic countries, Latin America has been an ideological hotbed and I think it is vital we stand more closely with our liberal partners and understand more of their own situations. I believe it’s important to hear their input on, for example, how to best approach the recent Venezuelan situation - and to tackle the dehumanisation of Venezuelan refugees that has been developing in some neighbouring countries. I believe my background, with an Ecuadorean family, and Spanish language skills would be very helpful in developing these relations.
  
  Oliver Poyser - This’ll be a little shorter to answer! I’ve already made clear that my main ambitions lie within our own borders - but as an International Committee member, I would not be able to resist working with our international partners. I would be very happy to work with LYMEC, as previously explained - especially due to the skills training they provide in partnership with the European Liberal Forum and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Focusing on something easily accessible to our members, I’d love to work with IFLRY on promoting Liberal among our membership - it’d be great to increase the number of articles being written there, and I’m sure we have plenty of budding Young Liberal journalists! The same goes for LYMEC’s Libertas. 
  In regard to specific parties, I would be excited to work with Reforminoored given their status as rising stars in liberal politics, and I’d also love to work with Jaunieši attīstībai, given I sadly missed out on attending their 2024 Young Liberals Summer school. Outside of the Baltics, I’d love to work with the Young Democrats of America - it’s a tragedy their parent party are not part of the Liberal International, and it’d be great to thank them for not giving Minivan to Labour! In all seriousness, for the influence they hold on the world, it’s a mistake not to try and develop our own special relationship with our fellow American liberals, given how much our politics intertwine today, whether we like it or not. Lastly, I’d like to work more closely with our not quite international partners in Alliance.
  
  Josh Tompsett - Well, my greatest hope is that through working for the international committee, that I will be able to enact meaningful policy and work collaboratively with the other parties. And, I would be lying if I didn't state that the specific party that I am most looking forward to working with is our sister party in Poland, Nowoczesni youth, since I've lived there a long time and would like to work with people I know there again.
  
  Sharan Virk - Firstly, I want to bring diversity representation to the committee and further within YL. I became involved with YL initially in 2021 and even then diversity was a big issue - in my opinion it seems to have gotten worse, especially for women, and ethnically diverse members. I want to encourage more participation from women and minority groups which I have sadly not seen enough of within YL. For them to not only believe but SEE that there is a seat for people like them at the table and that space is being made to uplift them. 
  As a first generation immigrant, diversity and community forms the basis of who I am. Our broken relationship with the EU goes against everything I stand for and as someone who campaigned with the Liberal Democrats to REMAIN in the EU, I am still determined to stand for restoring and rebuilding our relationship. Without immigration I would not be in this country today. Immigration makes the world go round and I will champion its beauty to counter the demonisation that word has suffered in recent Tory governments - especially concerning our relationship with Europe. 
  All over the world we are seeing countless human rights violations taking place predominantly in societies which have had close ties with colonial empires. As internationalists, the Liberal Democrat’s have been a party that has not run away from facing Britain’s bloody history. And I hope going further we can commit to doing the same with issues of modern slavery, genocide and illegal violence. I commit to advocating for human rights for ALL within international committee. 
  Furthermore, I am a Sikh, and despite the contributions the Sikh community has made across the globe, we face racist attacks and discrimination. The same discrimination my Baba faced when he first came to this country in the 70s. Things have gotten better but I want to advocate for the inclusion of Sikhs within mainstream politics and bring to light the realities of Modi’s extremist government in India that targets ALL minority communities. This is a pattern present in China, Sudan, Nigeria, and horrifically, Palestine. There are countless communities oppressed internationally. I will ensure we are bringing to light these issues and voicing our support for the people dehumanised in these atrocities. We are currently at the point wherein a war is on our hands and we need to hold the perpetrators to account. People over politics and power. Always. 
   
• Diversity Committee
  [For Under-18s Representative Candidates] 1. How are you looking to increase U18s representation across the next year?
  
  David Agyemang - I would like to meet with as many Under 18 YL members in persons at Conference as well as on social media to be able to get their views on where we should be going in the future. An increase in representation will also require an increase in participation which can be done through a more engaging social media push across all our platforms.
  
  Benjamin Glover - Over the next year, I'm planning on increasing U18 representation across the next year by focusing on the issues that matter to us most. Many young people have been spirited into action by environmental groups because of the tactile nature of working with your peers to protect your future. The Young Liberals have an incredible opportunity to become a vessel for such activism, as the Liberal Democrats have the most concrete, forward thinking environmental policy in the UK. Furthermore, we must allow the U18s to thrive within the local chapters of the Young Liberals, and ensure that U18s are represented at the local level via an U18 officer to promote grassroots activism in local communities. This peer to peer base of support is the lifeblood of any organization that wishes to invigorate young support, and is essential to increasing the representation of U18s in the Young Liberals.
  
  Johan Prinsloo - Great question! I feel Under-18s often are underrepresented in the organisation due to the lack of Under-18s holding positions. Historically, Under-18s have only made real progress in terms of being recognised when Under-18s have been elected in committee or Exec positions beyond Under-18s rep. Therefore, I feel it would help if we assisted Under-18s who wanted to run for Exec or committee positions, as it is very often that people, specifically Under-18s who in many ways would be perfect for the role, would be put off due to the fact they are Under-18, which shouldn't have to be a barrier. I want to do this through an election support scheme I have been trialling with certain candidates this election. It would involve connecting Under-18s with experienced members in YL to assist them when running. Also, there are many Under-18s who are running for committees, and even a few who are running for Exec positions, and so I believe it would help if we could coordinate our efforts to ensure Under-18s can gain a good standing within the organisation, and prove that age doesn't correspond to ability to do the job!
   
• Federal Council Representatives - No questions submitted
   

• English Council Representatives

  1. Do you plan to follow the whip agreed by EYLs EC reps before each meeting?
  
  Ulysse Abbate - There is tremendous value in being organised as a voting bloc: it ensures we are more likely to get our voice heard, more likely to be respected as an influential voice, and more likely to have our votes count in decisions. Whilst this is a really important tool we have that would guide much of my voting, showing a unified front, I would be elected directly by EYL members, and therefore cannot commit to following the whip at all points.

  Kieron Franks - I intend to follow the YL whip, as far as I feel able. There may be issues where I disagree strongly on moral grounds but I suspect, in these circumstances, it may be agreed that the YL EC reps can vote how they chose and I will certainly discuss my concerns ahead of any EC meeting. However, I expect that on most issues I will be aligned with the majority - I have been a regional rep on English Council previously and in almost all cases, I voted in the same way as the YL EC representatives though I was not expected to.

  Raheem Hussain - Absolutely, I believe in the power of unity and collective decision-making. Following the whip means we stand together to push for the policies and values that EYL supports. It shows we respect the democratic process within EYL, ensuring members’ voices are heard. It’s all about working together as a team to make an impact. Any concerns should be raised and discussed thoroughly with fellow reps well in advance, always aiming to find common ground.

  Abrial Jerram - Given our power on EC is strongest when united and the positive changes implemented by Young Liberals on EC and ECE, yes.

  Lucas North - Yes - I’ve voted with the EYL whip for every  English Council meeting I’ve attended so far I’ve also played a strong role in forming what our position should be on some issues, or suggesting (or asking) questions in line with EYL interests so that we have a chance to get our point across at meetings.

  Bex Scott - Yes, unless I have a serious disagreement and in that case I will communicate beforehand and attempt to ensure a conversation is had regarding the issue and my stance.

  Laurence Warner - 
  
  2. Will you attend each meeting?
  
  Ulysse Abbate - That will be my aim, and if I can’t I will send apologies and organise proxy votes (if constitutionally doable).

  Kieron Franks - I fully intend to attend each English Council meeting if nominated - I may need to attend by Zoom in the event of a hybrid meeting that is too far to reasonably attend.

  Raheem Hussain - I am fully committed to attending every meeting. I see this not just as a responsibility, but as a privilege. These meetings are where key decisions and policies for our party in England are made. Being active and present is key to ensuring that EYL’s perspective is consistently represented and our members’ interests are actively championed. I understand the importance of this role, and I’ll make sure to prioritise my attendance. Besides, who wouldn’t want to be part of the lively and exciting debates at EC meetings?

  Abrial Jerram - Yes

  Lucas North - Yes - I’ve attended every English Council meeting where I’ve been an EYL representative, and will continue to do so. 

  Bex Scott - Barring an unexpected emergency, yes I will.

  Laurence Warner - Yes
  
  3. Do you understand the purpose of EC and the role of a rep on EC?

  Ulysse Abbate - English Council acts as the governing body of the Liberal Democrats in England. Day-to-day operations are managed by the English Council Executive, whilst the English Council provides strategic governance through regular meetings, an English Council Representative represents the interest of their organisation. They scrutinise papers and motions, can submit Constitutional Amendments, motions, amendments to motions, to the English Council, to be voted on.

  Kieron Franks - Having served on English Council previously, I am fully aware of the remit of both the English Council and the English Council Executive, as well as the responsibilities of an EC representative.

  Raheem Hussain - Of course, the English Council (EC) is the main governing body for the Liberal Democrats in England, sitting just below the Federal Conference in the party structure. It handles major constitutional and rule changes affecting the membership, as well as the appointment of auditors. As one of seven EYL reps, my role would be to represent EYL’s views and act as a link between the EC and EYL. I’m ready to dedicate my energy, time, and skills to help EYL’s voice actively shape the future of our party. Thank you!

  Abrial Jerram - To elect and scrutinise the work of ECE and allow for a larger and more thorough debate on the administrative running of England Lib Dems allowing for high quality scrutiny. (At least that's what it should be idealistically)

  Lucas North - I'd hope so! I’m the current Chair of the Liberal Democrats in England, and so I chair the English Council and each of our meetings. A key part of the purpose of EC is actually to hold myself, my fellow officers, and my Executive to account, and I appreciate each and every one of the 150 members of English Council who contribute to our internal democracy in that way. 

  Bex Scott - Yes, EC acts as a scrutiny body for ECE who manage a lot of the English party including finances.  Additionally they also elect representatives to several other party bodies, and vote on decisions regarding a lot of how the English party is run.

  Laurence Warner - Only somewhat