Back in 2015, the General Election started early as residents “voted” in Hampstead and Kilburn. London’s most marginal constituency, Glenda Jackson won the previous election by a margin of 42 votes.
As Government goes through a testing time, residents in South Kilburn had the chance to “vote” for their Member of Parliament who will represent Hampstead and Kilburn in the next General Elections. Going under the name of SKVoices (South Kilburn Voices), the hustings was organised by the South Kilburn Trust, in partnership with a passionate team of local young people.
SK Voices was a Question-Time style event giving young people, and the community, the opportunity to talk to parliamentary candidates. Thus enabling greater insight into each parties view/action plan for key issues whilst passively increasing the voter turnout, granting the community their voice and raising political awareness.
Tulip Siddiq (Labour), Rebecca Johnson (Green Party), Simon Marcus (Conservative),
Maajid Nawaz (Liberal Democrat) all confirmed attending the event, which was held on Thursday 5th March 2015 at the Granville Plus Centre (now known as The Granville).
SKVoices was organised by local residents Tracy Mukendi, Farhan Samanani and South Kilburn Trust Ambassador George Allawi (also a local resident at the time).
Furthermore, we collaborated with The Migrant and Refugee Communities Forum, enabling the young people involved to deliver Voter Registration Training for the wider community. This was to make sure as many people as possible in the constituency of Hamptead & Kilburn are ready to stand up and be counted on Election Day.
“People often think their vote doesn’t count, but if everyone votes, then that vote can make a difference. We are really pleased to be helping young people run this event and to support moves to encourage everyone to get out and vote.
Mark Allan, Former Chief Executive at the South Kilburn Trust
Tracy Mukendi and I were invited to talk on London Live regarding the importance of young people to vote, at one of the most vital General Elections to date,
Finally, I would just like to take a moment and say a huge thank you to everyone that got involved with this project. At the time, it was one of the largest productions I had put together. It would not have been possible without the aid I received from close contacts, make sure you check out the gallery for Photos/Videos!
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