From University of Edinburgh Student to Edinburgh Councillor, Ruth Elliot Reflects on her Journey into Politics

The Edinburgh Tab asked former University of Edinburgh student, Ruth Elliot, about her journey from Politics student to councillor.

Ruth became councillor for the Southside/Newington ward on September 4^th, representing the Scottish Labour Party.

The by-election, triggered by former councillor Simita Kumar’s consolidation as MSP in May, saw thirteen candidates competing for the ward, including fellow University of Edinburgh student Artie Khovanov.

Prior to becoming a councillor, she studied Politics, before becoming Vice President Community for the Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA).

We asked Ruth how she is feeling after her election win:

“I keep walking streets that I walked when I first moved here in 2020 and thinking how surreal and exciting it is that 18-year-old me had no idea I’d be in this position 6 years later. I’m extremely proud of how far I’ve come and that I am now able to make a difference for people who are struggling like I did.”

When reflecting on her time as an undergraduate, Ruth told us:

“My time at university was characterised by freezing cold flats and working part time so that I could afford to stay here, but also making lifelong friendships and learning a lot about the world of politics and how enacting change works.”

She also gave us an insight into her former sabbatical role, being a woman in politics, and the misconceptions of student politics:

“I had never even considered standing for the Students’ Association until the Vice-President Community before me suggested I give it some thought, and I think that’s very true of many women in politics: you automatically self-select out until someone encourages you to go for it.

Standing in the EUSA election was very daunting but equally rewarding.

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I find it incredibly dismissive when people use “student politics” as an insult – student politics is a hugely important space for young people, particularly women, to find their feet in representative politics.

Student politics is where many political movements start and grow, and in these elected roles if you have ambition to make a change, you can achieve a lot for the students you represent.

For me, I discovered that I was skilled at campaigning and communicating, and the fact that I was able to secure amendments to housing legislation with other elected students is a testament to how impactful these roles can be.”

Finally, Ruth revealed how she is finding her new role as councillor and her goals in representing the young residents of her ward:

“In my first week as councillor, I still feel an enormous sense of pride and gratitude that the residents of Southside/Newington elected me.

This ward includes both Central Campus and Kings Buildings and I am very aware that term starts in just a couple of weeks.

I hope that I can be a strong representative for young residents of this city and particularly Southside/Newington.

It often feels like politics isn’t for people like me, so I want young people to know that I am working hard for them and ensuring their voices are heard.

I encourage anyone to get in touch with me either via my council email address or more informally via my social media.”

Image: Ruth Elliot (left) from Facebook