Politicians and young people - always an interesting combination!
Whenever I have seen the two groups interact the politicians come off second best - the natural “bullshit detector” that children and teenagers get as standard tends to make the platitudes of many politicians look as thin and meaningless as they really are.
1-0 to the kids.
When middle-aged politicians (of any party) try to relate to young people it rarely looks good. I'm thinking rapping, I'm thinking Ali G. Any spad (Special Adviser) that suggests getting “down wid da kidz” needs a slap. And so does any politician that listens to them.
2-0 to the kids.
So why on earth did I agree to be Boris' Ambassador for Young People? Because despite all the bear traps and pitfalls I think it is incredibly exciting and important work. Since 1st May I have found myself gravitating towards this area of work. It's interesting, the enthusiasm of young people and those that work with them is infectious and the rewards associated with success are huge.
The first task will be the delivery of the Mayor's Time for Action plan. That in itself will be a significant challenge, but once done there are plenty of other challenges ahead.
Wish me luck - and if you see me trying to rap, just ignore me.
( 3 comments )