We sat down with Josh Dean, Labour MP, following his victory in Hertford and Stortford in
the general election. Ella Weatherburn interviewed him on a range of topics, including his
experience of entering politics in his early 20s as well as his and the Labour Party’s
priorities following the general election.
Entering politics at a young age
Josh Dean, currently the third youngest MP, was drawn into politics because of the
change needed locally and nationally. He felt that a community-focused parliament was
needed, allowing change to happen locally. The decision to enter politics at such a young
age, Dean described, fits the non-traditional route he has taken throughout his life so far,
leaving education at 17, then entering a degree at an older age. Presented with the
opportunity to stand as an MP, he took it and ran, successfully becoming the first Labour
candidate in the area since the seats creation in 1983.
Dean, when asked about how the influx of younger MP’s will impact Parliament,
responded that diversity of experience is important within Parliament. Dean commented
that young people are often “at the sharp end of so many crises”, taking the biggest hit
from government policies. He added that “politics is a place where so many young people
don’t think they belong”.
Becoming an MP
Dean’s journey to becoming an MP starting with his close connection to the constituency,
living in Hertford his whole life. Dean only applied to stand in one seat: his own, Hertford
and Stortford. This experience he described to be nerve-wracking, but led to him
becoming the Labour candidate for the seat.
Once a candidate, becoming an MP involved a lot of campaigning, including doorstep
visits, attending every husting, visiting businesses and local secondary schools and sixth
forms. Dean explained the importance of these school visits, despite many of the
students unable to vote, his work would still impact them over the next 5 years.
Breaking the ‘blue wall’
With Hertford and Stortford being a Conservative ‘safe seat’, it was the first time many
people voted Labour in the constituency. Dean’s campaigning approach was to be a
candidate that would stand up for the community. He described how many people had
lost faith in the former MP, who had left the community behind. Many residents did not
feel the connection was there from the former MP, with Dean emphasising the importance
of having an MP who is local and willing to stand up for the community.
Dean won the seat with 20,808 seats and 38.5% of the vote share, beating former
Conservative MP Julie Marson. After winning over their votes, Dean makes it clear that
“the next 5 years are about delivery” for his constituents.
Future for the Labour Party and as an MP
Dean explained how the comprehensive plan for change is the Labour Party’s next step,
as laid out in their manifesto and the King’s Speech. He mentioned this includes key
priorities such as protecting waters, reforming the Mental Health Act and expanding
mental health support in schools.
In terms of his priorities as an MP, the one thing Dean would like to achieve with his time
in office is opening a shopfront office within the constituency. This was a big part of his
election campaign, being accessible within the community, and a message to residents
that he is here to support constituents. Dean commented that he wanted “politics that
can be used as a change for good”. In addition to this, whilst in office he would like to
speak with local mayors to establish a co-operative relationship.
Thoughts on current political issues
When asked about his thoughts on the repeal of the Conservative’s Rwanda Policy, Dean
commented on how the policy was unaffordable, unworkable and inhuman. He added
that the government cannot “just pursue a policy just for grabbing newspaper headlines”,
with Labour looking into a long term plan as an alternative for this policy.
On Labour’s plans to release more prisoners to prevent overcrowding, he explained how
the mess that the Conservative Party left is worse than expected, with the prison and
justice system on the brink of collapse currently. Dean added that there were shocks in all
areas of government, following the Conservatives in power, and that the Labour
government are willing to face up to those challenges.
The Labour Party’s manifesto pledge to remove the right for hereditary peers to sit in the
House of Lord, Dean explained to be putting more politics back into public services
hands. He commented about how Kier Starmer has substantially reformed the party over
the last 4 years, with the former Labour Party looking inwards, now changing to looking
outwards.
With the issue of climate change of high importance within politics currently, Dean
explained Labour’s action plan for climate change, including setting up Great British
Energy. The Party’s plan also contains a programme of insulating homes as well as new
national walkways. In addition to this, one of Dean’s key priorities within his constituency
is to protect the rivers and chalk streams.
What advice would you give to a young person wanting to become more involved in politics?
Dean recommended joining a political party that you most identify with as well as joining
trade unions and finding issues that are important for you within politics. He commented
that young voices “have to be a part of what we are doing” within politics. He also added
that there is a need for young councillors within politics.
We would like to thank Josh Dean for giving up his time to complete this interview with
us.
Many thanks to Ruby Clayton, a student at Liverpool John Moores University, for her help
in producing this feature.
By Ella Weatherburn
