Labour’s newest Member of Parliament, Keir Mather, celebrated his victory with a touch of humor, remarking that he had “heard far worse” when asked about his feelings on becoming the youngest MP in the Commons and earning the title “Baby of the House.” The 25-year-old triumphed over a substantial 20,137 majority in the fiercely contested North Yorkshire constituency of Selby & Ainsty.
Addressing the crowd after his decisive win in the by-election, Mr. Mather acknowledged the significance of the moment. He declared, “We have rewritten the rules on where Labour can win. People have opened their doors to us and embraced our positive vision for the future.” The people of Selby & Ainsty, he asserted, had sent a clear message that they were fed up with the perceived failures of the Conservative party, both locally and in Westminster.
Throughout the campaign, Mr. Mather spoke directly to hundreds of constituents on their doorsteps, witnessing firsthand the hardships they faced. He laid blame on 13 years of Conservative negligence and complacency, exacerbating the challenges experienced by the community.
As a young politician, Mr. Mather expressed his desire to represent the power and potential of young people in making a difference. Addressing concerns about his ability to understand voters’ needs at his age, he responded, “Well, I’m a taxpayer too, I feel the pressures like anyone else.”
The Labour party shared Mr. Mather’s background, revealing that he was born in Hull and raised near Selby before attending Oxford University. His most recent role as a senior public affairs adviser for the Confederation of British Industry and previous experience as a parliamentary researcher for Wes Streeting from 2019 to 2020 showcased his qualifications for the position.
Expressing his support for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s policies, Mr. Mather emphasized his backing for the two-child benefit cap, citing the challenging economic situation that he believed the Labour government would inherit from the Conservatives.
The cost-of-living crisis emerged as the primary concern raised by constituents during the campaign, according to Mr. Mather. When questioned about whether the votes were more in favor of Labour or against the Tories, he stated, “Local residents were extremely frustrated at the way the Conservative MP (Nigel Adams) stepped down, but they only voted Labour because they knew we had a plan that would actually deliver on their concerns.”
In response to Mr. Mather’s win, Conservative MP Johnny Mercer made a quip about his age, suggesting that he had spent more time at Oxford University than in any real job. However, Mr. Mercer’s remark did not overshadow the victory of the newly elected Labour MP.
Defeated Conservative candidate Claire Holmes chose to leave the venue without addressing the reporters, leaving the spotlight on Keir Mather’s momentous triumph.
In the aftermath of this election, all eyes are on Keir Mather as he assumes his role as the youngest MP, poised to make his mark on the political landscape with a fresh perspective and a determination to address the challenges faced by his constituents.