Bristol University student becomes a Green Party candidate for up coming general election

A Bristol University student has become a parliamentary candidate for the Green Party, in the areas of Filton and Bradley Stoke in Bristol.

At only 20 years old and still studying as a second-year law student, James Nelson is one of the youngest candidates standing for next month’s election on July fourth.

James hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the political party in Bristol, as he said: “For many years I’ve had a passion for politics, for standing up for people and for trying to make my community better”, Bristol Live reports.

Speaking about his young age compared to other candidates, James said: “I think I’d give a bit of a shock to some of the old Etonians. Many people coming in as MPs for the first time will be old enough to be my parents or my grandparents!

“There is no necessary qualification to be an MP. If you look at the past prime ministers we’ve had, they have vast degrees and have still been absolutely stupid!

“I come with the experience of having grown up in my area and having already had the opportunity to represent my area. I have the track record that comes with that: an honest politician who will fight his corner.”

Only midway through his studies, James has considered postponing or dropping out of his degree if he were to be elected, as he is putting everything into his campaign.

He said: “Ultimately I will do what allows me to represent my constituency. Other people standing who have long-term commitments, such as degrees or having children, are having to make those decisions and I’m confident I could make it work.”

This is not James’ first appearance in Bristol’s politics scene, he has previously worked as a town councillor in Bradley Stoke for a year. He has also been involved in local projects, such as stalling secure cycling storage at the Jubilee Centre and running a successful consultation on a new park run at Three Brooks Nature Reserve.

By running in this election, James is hoping to encourage more young people to get involved in politics. His main advice to anyone looking to get involved is to stand your ground.

He added: “So many young people are passionate until they have to go into a room and talk. But you are intelligent, you know your stuff.

“I’ve had people come into my council at the same time as me two or three times my age. I know just as much as they do!”

James’ main goal in his campaigning is to give a fresh look at UK politics. He wants to divert more power and funding to local communities and replace the current “first past the post” voting method with a more proportional system.

Although the Green Party has less funding than the two larger parties of Conservative and Labour, James thanks his team’s hard work on the campaign trail, after winning its highest number of seats so far in Bristol’s local elections last month.

For more information on the election in Bristol, read our guide here.

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