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Conversation with UK's youngest MP
Jo Swinson, 27, MP for East Dunbartonshire
Debates, passionate discussions, decision-making, and ‘clever’ one-off remarks about the opposing political party are well-known practice in the House of Commons.
At the age of 25, Jo Swinson entered the traditionally male dominated Parliament becoming UK’s youngest MP when she was elected to the House of Commons for East Dunbartonshire in May 2005.
Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson and Labour students national chair Kenny Young engage in traditional political banter.
Do young people face barriers in getting elected?
Watch!
Dur: 1:42
How did you become the youngest MP?
Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson said: “I was always interested in political affairs. I joined the party when I went to university at the age of 17. I got more involved in student politics and in campaigns, for example, to abolish tuition fees for students. And then one thing led to another, I went to party conferences and got involved in the national youth moment of the Liberal Democrats and then someone once said to me ‘why don’t you stand for parliament?’ I thought, well you know, it would be an interesting experience, why not?
“And it was really only when I stood for parliament the first time that I really realised that it was what I wanted to do. I was working as a Marketing Manager at the time, really enjoying my job, but not getting the same satisfaction from it, my aim was to put money into shareholders pockets rather than making the world a better place or pursuing my beliefs.
“A combination of hard work and being at the right place at the right time led me to be elected in 2005.”
Have you been singled out in Parliament because of your age?
Listen!
Dur: 0:26
Does lack of experience hinder the opportunities for young people to be elected?
Listen!
Dur: 0:15
Are politicians out of touch with young people?
Listen!
Dur: 0:25