For the next couple of weeks, The Twenty Percent is going to look a little different. Yes, we’ll be covering money and politics.
This is because there’s a by-election taking place in my constituency. But don’t worry – the posts should be interesting whether you live in Chesham and Amersham or not!
One post even includes an interview with a leader of a national party…
- The link between money and politics
- What my new series is all about
- Why I’m doing this
- Register to vote
The link between money and politics
There is an undeniable link between money and politics. Whether you like politics or not, it has a big impact on your personal finances.
Things like income tax thresholds, benefits and public services all impact how much money we have in our pockets at the end of each month.
This blog is, and will always be, politically neutral.
Yes, I will cover government policy when relevant. This has been particularly helpful during the pandemic, where financial support from the government has been complicated and ever changing!
But, I will not express any direct opinions either in support or against any particular party. This blog is for everyone and everyone can talk about finance regardless of who they vote for.
What my new series is all about
There is a by-election taking place in my local area – Chesham and Amersham.
This is happening because our previous MP, Dame Cheryl Gillan, sadly passed away a few months ago.
I’ve been disappointed by the lack of election coverage to date, so I’ve taken matters into my own hands.
I’m interviewing all of the candidates standing in the by-election and will be running the interviews on here in the run up to the election on 17 June.
So far I’ve been really happy with how receptive the candidates have been and many have been very generous with their time. As a result, I’m hoping the articles will be really informative and helpful to everyone – not just those living in the constituency!
The first interview includes the leader of one of the parties! (Sadly not Boris Johnson or Keir Stamer)
Keep an eye out early next week to find out who!
Why I’m doing this
Having had the same MP for nearly 30 years, this will be the first time many young people – myself included – will have a new MP.
But, from all the conversations I’m having, very few are engaged. A lot don’t even know a by-election is taking place!
The government impacts all of our finances. Therefore, I think it’s really important to engage and vote to make sure your voice is heard.
A lot of the focus locally is on HS2. This is a very contentious issue in the area, but it is not the only issue and certainly not the biggest concern for many young people.
We have one of the worst levels of social mobility in the country, housing is unaffordable and jobs are few and far between.
I’m asking the candidates what they will do about these issues – and many more – specifically.
This will hopefully give younger people in the area the information they need on issues they care about, so they can make an informed choice.
Register to vote
If you’re not yet registered to vote, don’t worry. There’s still time! You have until midnight on Tuesday 1 June to register to vote in the by-election.
Even if you don’t live in the constituency, registering to vote is a good idea. If you register now, you won’t have to worry next time there’s an election.
Registering to vote can also look good on your credit report, even more of a reason to do it now!
You can register to vote via this link.
If you’re not interested in politics/these kind of issues, I’ll see you in a few weeks!
For those interested – do let me know if there’s any questions you want me to ask or if there’s any issues you’d really like me to discuss with the candidates.
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