'Politics should be taught in schools' - Gen Z politicians

Frankie Williams is planning on standing in next year's local elections for the Conservatives

Local politics is not the natural habitat for members of Gen Z.

The most recent survey of local councillors shows the average age of a councillor is now 60.

But with the government announcing plans to lower the voting age to 16 by the next general election, do those involved in local politics feel it should be taught in schools in order to encourage more younger people to get involved?

The Electoral Commission has recommended that all young people have the opportunity to learn more about democracy at school and that "educators are supported to deliver effective democratic education".

Frankie Williams, 21, was recently elected as the chairman for the Hull and Cottingham Conservatives.

It is a city dominated by three Labour MPs and the council is run by the Liberal Democrats, but Mr Williams has high ambitions for the area and is planning for the next general election.

He stood for the Conservatives twice in previous local elections in Hull and intends to stand again in 2026.

Mr Williams said his interest in politics began in school when he took part in various debates.

He said: "It's about whichever party you identify with. It's about what your local and national representatives are saying and asking yourself 'is that what I agree with?'"

He added: "If 16 year olds are given the vote, I think it should be put into place. Because at the end of the day people need to understand what they're voting for."

Amelia Bateman-Young is a member of the Labour Party and plans to stand as a candidate in North East Lincolnshire's local elections in 2026

Amelia Bateman-Young, 24, is a member of the Labour Party and intends to stand as a ward candidate in the 2026 North East Lincolnshire local elections.

She said her interest in climate change at school led her further down the path of politics. She joined the Labour Society while studying at the University of Hull before eventually becoming a member of the party.

"Locally, I'm involved in a lot of different groups within the Labour Party. The women's group is my favourite meeting. I'm also in the youth group and I'm a fundraising officer for the CLP (Constituency Labour Party), which is more of a social role as well," she said.

Ms Bateman-Young believes politics is something that should be on the school curriculum.

She added: "I had a really great Maths teacher who took the time out of lessons to teach us about the EU referendum, when he didn't need to, and that was the only political education that I got. So I think it does need to be on the curriculum."

Oliver Freeston is a Reform UK councillor in North East Lincolnshire

Oliver Freeston was 18 when he was elected as a local Conservative councillor in North East Lincolnshire in 2018. In May 2024, he defected to Reform UK. He stood as a Reform UK Parliamentary candidate in 2024 and he continues to be a councillor for the party.

He said: "I feel at home with Reform UK.

"People are pushing me forward; people want me to keep going in politics.

"The values that I hold sit with the silent majority but it's not necessarily silent anymore. People aren't afraid to speak out and say actually 'lets put those values forward and support Reform'."

In terms of local democracy being taught in schools, he said it would be "really useful" and added: "Not just local politics, they should also teach more handy and practical skills in school, such as how to do tax, which can set children up for their later years."

Ted Dolman was elected when he was 19 as a Liberal Democrat councillor in Hull

Ted Dolman was elected as a Liberal Democrat councillor for the Kingswood Ward on Hull City Council last year when he was 19.

"I just wanted to make a difference to the city that I love," he said.

"I thought politics would be a good option. And here we are. I'm only 20, there are many years to come but I want to continue making a difference for real people.

"Politics is something that affects all of us. We all have the ability to make a difference and we're all affected by the changes that governments make, whether that be national or local, so absolutely I do think politics should be taught in schools."

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