Labour MP Keir Mather has made history by becoming the youngest member of Parliament in the Commons at just twenty-five years old. Following his election win in the North Yorkshire constituency of Selby & Ainsty, which marked a dramatic political shift and overturned a 20,137 Conservative majority, Mather declared: “We have rewritten the rules on where Labour can win”. The newly elected MP made light of his status as ‘the baby of the House’ when asked for a comment on his victory, cheekily joking that he had ‘heard far worse’.
In his speech following his election win, Mather acknowledged the enormity of what had just occurred. He said that the people of Selby & Ainsty had sent a clear message to Westminster that Conservatives up there and locally had failed them – but now things were set to change. With Labour’s vision for the future embraced throughout the region, it was clear that this momentous victory marked a new chapter in British politics.
25-year-old Cameron Mather made history as the youngest MP in the UK after being elected as MP for Selby and Ainsty, claiming victory during a count at Selby Leisure Centre on behalf of Labour.
Speaking to reporters, he expressed his desire to be a ‘representative for the power that young people have to make a difference’, something that resonated with voters who put their trust in Mr. Mather despite his tender age. Coming from Hull and having studied at Oxford University, Mr. Mather is no stranger to understanding hardship, having heard of numerous stories while out on the doorstep.
Moreover, with experience as a senior public affairs adviser for the Confederation of British Industry and a parliamentary researcher for Wes Streeting, Mr. Mather understands the financial struggles faced by ordinary citizens, as well as the pressure of making difficult decisions in government once Labour takes power. Mr. Mather voiced his approval of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s policy of keeping the two-child benefit cap, demonstrating his commitment towards creating an economically stable future for all constituents.
In his victory speech, Labour MP Mr. Mather noted the cost of living crisis was a major factor driving local support. He stated people voted for Labour because they believed in their plan to address their concerns. When Conservative candidate Johnny Mercer dismissed his victor as merely “relating Labour lines”, he sparked debate over the young MP’s qualifications for the job given his age and experience.
Defeated Conservative candidate Claire Holmes left the venue without talking to reporters following Mather’s victory speech. Mercer implied that Mather had been at Oxford University more than he’d been in any other job, but many were quick to point out he had accrued extensive work experience prior to entering politics. This election result was further evidence of an electorate who are looking for solutions to their problems and not just another politician spouting mere rhetoric.