Channing Li, a 16-year-old work experience student, watched Prime Minister Liz Truss resign in October 2022 when he was just 12. Now, four years later, he sees Keir Starmer step down and feels more disillusioned than ever. Li argues that politicians patronise teenagers and fail to deliver on promises, leaving young voters with little reason to trust the system.
Growing Up Amid Political Chaos
Li recalls the confusion of 'Partygate' and the 'Disastrous mini-budget' as a pre-teen. 'Downing Street was in shambles,' he writes. Now aged 16, he questions how hundreds of thousands of children are meant to place trust in a system that seems broken. He watched Starmer's resignation speech with a breaking voice and wonders how Andy Burnham's tenure will end.
Broken Promises and Unearned Votes
Li notes that Labour was elected in 2024 on a mandate of 'change' after 14 years of Conservative rule, but today Labour MPs have turned on Starmer. 'No one has really earned my vote,' he states. He criticises politicians for going back on promises without acknowledging mistakes. Labour ditched their pledge to abolish university tuition fees shortly before entering Downing Street, proving they only cared about young people when they needed their votes.
Critique of Green Party and Reform UK
Li offers a practical objection to the Greens and a moral one to Reform. The Greens are estimated to want to increase spending by £250 billion per year but only increase tax receipts by £170 billion. Their proposed wealth and asset taxes could drive the rich away, in Li's view. Despite this, he praises the Greens for reaching out to youth through political education and mental health support. Reform UK's controversies include racism and misogyny, and their plans to tax green energy and pivot to oil reserves lack consideration for the future.
Youth Voices Ignored
Li describes how teenagers engaging in political speak are met with reactions ranging from 'how adorable' to 'how naive.' He argues that young people are more technologically and globally literate but are dismissed due to age. Politicians reflect this bias, failing to authentically connect with youth. 'He doesn't feel authentic because he misunderstands us,' Li says of Starmer's cringeworthy attempt at a 6-7 joke.
Proposed Solutions: Quotas and Binding Promises
Li suggests introducing quotas for young MPs (21 or under), who currently make up 0% of the House of Commons. He wants more authentic and digitally native politicians. Additionally, he proposes a law where political candidates designate promises as 'binding'; if broken, a new election would be triggered. This would deter false promises and clarify which policies politicians truly intend to deliver.
Voting at 16 and a Call for Change
Next month, Parliament will debate a bill to allow 16-year-olds to vote. But Li states that until other measures and a culture shift occur, his ballot would be empty. He concludes: 'I’ve changed from that boy four years back, but Downing Street hasn’t. It’s still in shambles. And just like Sir Keir, I feel resigned.'
