My name is Toby Thurston, I have been asked by the association at this time to serve as the Interim Chair of the Young Conservatives until formal elections take place at the AGM.
I am originally from Plymouth in the south of England. However, being born into a military family, I have been lucky enough in my short lifetime to have lived in several different countries within Europe and beyond. I think it is undeniable that my foundations and perspectives have somewhat been shaped by the places I have been and the unique access I have had to the differing interpretations and perspectives put forth by those of all kinds of backgrounds. This ultimately blossomed a fascination with public service and current affairs during school years this led me to study a BA- Politics and International Relations degree in Nottingham. Although continuing to study in Nottingham for my Masters degree, I wanted a change of scenery and moved down to Uppingham in Rutland where I currently reside and work nearby. I have come to believe through my studies as well as past community work that ignorance is the foremost damaging social and arguably economic challenge to our society today. The challenges presented today such as the COVID-19 economic recovery, developing new initiatives to tackle Racism, and the development of a strong post-Brexit international Britain can only be successfully undertaken through a diverse range of input and action.
As Young Conservatives we are in the minority. It is therefore more important than ever that we make our voices heard locally and nationally. Hopefully not only to shape future party policy, but also to proliferate wider discussion and learn. To challenge others ideas with an open mind and continually challenge/develop your own world views. This is what I believe to be the very 'antidote to ignorance’ from which politics has deviated in recent years. I hope that in reading this you have nodded your head in agreement and further feel compelled to get involved. Of course if you do not agree with this view please make it known all the same!
Get involved with Toby and the Young Conservatives by getting in touch via office@rutlandmeltonconservatives.org