St Helens MP hopeful gives politics talk to Carmel sixth formers

At the talk, Luke, who works as a parliamentary advisor for Marie Rimmer MP, spoke to history and politics students.

He discussed the difficulties he faced to get involved with politics and how they could overcome them.

Students heard about how life in politics can range from helping local residents with their energy bills to working on larger campaigns to finally secure Violet-Grace’s Law.

Following the talk, Luke said: “There is no denying that a lot of opportunities in politics depends on who you know.

I never had any of that, I had no family or connections within Labour or the wider political scene. “I want to inspire more young people from St Helens and the wider region to get involved in politics at all levels.

Luke Joseph speaking to Carmel students (Image: Luke Joseph)

"Most of the major decisions that impact our lives are made in Westminster. The more Northerners we get there who understand how to bring power and money back to St Helens, the better.”

Tim Holden, head of politics at Carmel College, said: “It was fantastic to have Luke here to talk to our history and politics students about what life is like working in politics.

"He had some really great stories and hopefully has inspired some of our students to follow suit.”

Luke, 30, is among those to have recently announced his intentions to run to be Labour’s candidate for St Helens North.

Born and raised in Great Sankey, Warrington, he represented St Helens in national sporting competitions for most of his childhood.

For the past several years he has worked as an advisor to St Helens South and Whiston MP, Marie Rimmer.

This involves him working both in St Helens and on behalf of the St Helens Borough in Parliament.

Efforts that Luke has worked on include Violet-Grace’s Law, Covid support for rugby league clubs, including Saints, and fighting for help for Pilkington’s and other local businesses.

Speaking on his efforts to become Labour’s candidate, he said: “I am not going to pretend that I know more about the constituency than other candidates. I don’t.

"What I am going to say is that I understand the role of an MP and how to utilise it to get the best results for St Helens North.

"In Parliament, I have worked on many issues that St Helens Borough faces. We require national solutions to bring about the real long-term change that we need to see.

"A child born in St Helens should have the same opportunities as one born anywhere else. The status-quo is not good enough.”

The process is likely to take some time with the first stage of narrowing down the candidates, known as longlisting, taking place this Thursday.

Council leader David Baines and Parr councillor Bisi Osundeko are the others who have publicly thrown their hat into the ring to be the Labour candidate for St Helens North.