By Lucas Taylor
CONSERVATIVE
Matthew Goodwin-Freeman has been a Conservative Party member since 2019, taking his first role in politics as a member of the Youth Parliament, based on representing his community and showing what young people can do when given an opportunity in politics. He became more actively involved in the Conservative Party with time, beginning as an association chair, and then an MP staffer for the only Conservative MP to receive a majority of over 50% in the last general election. He is now a councillor for Hatch End.
When asked why he wanted to stand for YC Chair when some members believe he has not been active within the organisation, he said that his standing, “makes sense”, being a person who “lives, breathes and works in politics... with 11 years of experience”. He is the most-followed candidate in this YC leadership election, and went on to say that if he hasn’t been that active in the past, then it shows that the YC need to “change, to support those members who want to take part and support their party, making sure it’s not ‘patchy’ within regions.” As head of Harrow Young Conservatives, he also got 5 Young Conservatives elected this year.
If he is elected as Chair, he will make it his priority to bring “more” for every YC across the country, and provide the chance to play an active role in politics and not just be “workhorses”. This would provide the recognition needed for all members, and even extends to universities to make sure that they are not left behind by giving them the active resources they need to grow and evolve - whether it be by streamlining speakers, Fresher’s support packs, events that don’t have to be black-tie, and the support to go to national events. Broadly he wants to “listen to what YCs want” to make sure that policies are not just there to look good but to be practical across the country, and “not be London-centric.”
Under the YC Constitution, the elected Chair can suggest who their Deputy Chair would be. When asked who he would pick, he stated he is “not going to hand out a job to mates.” Instead, he will work with the Executive Officer to bring in a procedure to ensure the best person is offered the job by interviewing applicants. Matthew stated that this is important to ensure “accountability and transparency.”
With the campaigns coming to an end, I asked Matthew what he thinks about the possibility of ‘blue on blue’ occurring during the election. Members worry about the organisation’s reputation being seen as fractured, and so he said that he was “disappointed to see the rubbish” that has gone on currently regarding the posts made about the incumbent Chair, and online comments about candidates across the board. He finished on the topic by stating that he wishes the best for the other candidates and will try his best to ensure his supporters maintain a positive environment, as they are all still part of the Young Conservatives and can show the best of what the organisation has to offer.
Leaving a final message, Matthew said his biggest message is that he is “listening to Young Conservatives.” For Matthew, this election is about the community he is trying to bring together, providing the voices many members he believes have not had the opportunity to have. He finished saying that regardless of who wins, the Young Conservatives will remain the “best youth wing in the country”, pledging his support to whoever wins.
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