Demanding Change: Voices from the Hustings
Young people and marginalised groups took centre stage at Herefordshire hustings, challenging candidates on long-ignored issues.
By Lola Cook
A whisper of change tingled at the back of my neck as election day loomed. Like many, the 2024 General Election was my first as a voting-age citizen and I threw myself into each party’s campaign, acutely aware of the power and responsibility behind my vote.
I attended two hustings in the lead-up to the election—one at St. John’s Church, the other at Hereford Sixth Form College. Both audiences were eager to hear the candidates’ answers to pressing questions. A feeling of frustration with fourteen years of Tory rule hung heavily in the room as the audience didn’t shy away from asking direct, pointed questions. Tensions, always present at such events, underscored two key moments that highlighted for me how long young people and marginalised groups have been ignored. With the potential for political change on the horizon, these groups were determined to make their voices heard.
At St. John’s Church, a Muslim woman stepped forward to ask why Herefordshire Council had failed to back planning proposals to build a mosque in Hereford city, despite the Muslim community’s presence in the county for over three decades and having seen numerous bids repeatedly denied. Although local planning decisions rest with the council, the spotlight quickly turned to Conservative MP Jesse Norman when he claimed the issue had never been raised with him personally during his fourteen years in office.
A chorus of voices, led by the woman and several other audience members, responded with conviction—they had contacted him many times, but had never received a reply. Audience member Lexi Myers remarked, “Jesse Norman MP claims he has no control over local planning but says he can assist the Muslim community. However, after fourteen years in office, one must ask why he hasn’t acted to support this community sooner.” The fact that mosque plans have been rejected three times in Hereford highlighted that polarising attitudes should have no place in determining the freedom of the Muslim community.
“Students were frustrated that the burden of change was being placed on their shoulders, despite having no responsibility for the governance of the country”
The hustings at Hereford Sixth Form College featured a nearly all-student audience. This group, who had put their lives on hold to protect older generations during COVID, are, in my view, owed a great deal by those in power. Yet, Independent candidate Mark Weaden didn’t seem to share this sentiment. He suggested that students should take a ‘bottom-up’ approach to issues like carbon emissions and take responsibility for the changes they want to see. One student, incredulous at the suggestion, spoke out: how could a generation that has sacrificed so much now be expected to fix the chaos created by those in charge? The room erupted in applause. Another audience member added, “Students were frustrated that the burden of change was being placed on their shoulders, despite having no responsibility for the governance of the country.”
Both of these hustings offered a platform for those whose concerns often go unheard - it was an opportunity ahead of the election to make a stand and demand recognition.
As a (potential) MP, your duty of care extends to every person in your constituency, and you must be held accountable for the fundamental rights being denied to those who call this place home. Seeing people stand up for what they are owed in front of figures of authority filled the room with a sense of empowerment.
With continued momentum, this is how we can drive the change so many have been denied for too long.
P.O.V. is supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. It is a youth listening and empowerment project from Rural Media Charity. Democracy is one of the project’s themes for 2025.