Personal Statement:

Hi, I’m Noah McGarry, I’m 14 and I’m asking for your support to join the conference committee. I want to be involved in conference for what I can bring myself, not just because I’m tagging along with my Dad. I know I’ve had chances other young people don’t get because my Dad chairs conference, and I want to use that to help younger members feel like conference is for them too.

I live in Lenzie and go to Lenzie Academy. I’ve basically been around politics my whole life but started doing my own politics in 2022. I started writing speeches with my Dad and proposing motions that meant a lot to me. I’ve always wanted to make a difference and I know not everyone has the same chances, so I try to use mine to speak for others. It’s still weird that when I was 12, a motion I wrote passed when other motions were written by MPs. I don’t think young people realise that they can do stuff like that too.

I’ve got lots of conference experience and I get on well with people much older than me. I’ve been inspired by the conference committee and of course my Dad, he is lowkey chill and my role model. I want to show that age doesn’t matter and I can do the same job if not better than people older than me. I want to help make conference more inclusive and bring new ideas from a fresher and younger mindset.

I’m a regular canvasser, I deliver leaflets, talk to people on the doors and go to most conferences. My values are hardwork, inclusion, respect, loyalty and enthusiasm. If you have a smile then others find it easier to smile too. Members can expect someone they can talk to, have a laugh with, or share ideas with. I might be young but my opinions matter too and I want to help make conference better for everyone.

2. Skills & Experience

I’ve been helping my Dad with conference stuff since I was really young. I was 6 when he became the chair. When I was 8 during virtual conference Megan and my Dad used me as a test speaker and put me in a tiny cupboard-thing to check the sound which was kind of funny. When I was 10 I spoke at conference and helped raise over £4,000 for the party. I also introduced Alex Cole-Hamilton for his first leader’s speech which was cringe but also pretty cool. When I get chances I try really hard to do them well.

I’ve been to loads of conferences and helped put up the stage and tidy up when everyone’s gone home. I’ve been in meetings and even got to be in Federal Conference Committee once and when I made a point everyone agreed with it which made me feel like I actually know what I’m doing. If I ever overhear something important I keep it private and don’t gossip. If something serious happened at conference I know I can act properly and not childish.

I’ve written and delivered speeches and motions on things that matter to me. I’ve helped the conference committee a lot behind the scenes and I’ve basically been at nearly every conference since I was 12. I’m close with the FCC and Scottish committee and I’ve learned the ropes by watching and helping where I can.

My strongest skills are listening and coming up with ideas on how to make conference better. I’m reliable and hardworking, and I don’t panic when something goes wrong. I like problem solving and figuring out ways to sort things whether it’s techy stuff or helping someone with a personal query.

I’m familiar with youth issues and safeguarding and I think a lot about how to make conference more accessible for young people. I’m also a Lance Corporal in the Army Cadets, so I lead in my detachment and I’ve done safeguarding training, first aid, leadership and loads of things that help me be responsible and calm.

I think my experience, even though I’m young, shows that I understand conference, I know how things run, and I work well with adults and the committee already.

3. What I Hope to Achieve if Elected

If I get elected I want to help younger people at conference feel like they can actually take part instead of sitting in a corner on their mum or dad’s phone. I want them to understand what’s going on and feel like conference is meant for them too. I want to be a role model and show that age doesn’t matter and you don’t need to wait until you’re older to get involved.

I want to help make conference run smoother and fix little things that annoy people or make them confused. I want everyone to have a good time but also feel confident speaking or asking questions. I think younger people can bring energy and new ideas so I want to be someone who helps make that happen. I also want to make sure that Scottish members, especially young ones, feel like our voices are heard.

As a young person and someone who knows a lot about differences, disabilities and neurodivergence I want to help make conference more accessible. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference and I want to share what it feels like from my point of view so things can improve. If conference is more accessible then more young people, more people with different needs, and more people who normally stay quiet will feel like they can take part. I want to help show that with the right support anyone can contribute just as well as anyone else.

I want to be someone people can talk to about ideas, problems, or even if they’re just nervous. I want members to feel like they can come up to me and say what they think, even if they’re young or shy. I want conference to feel friendly and welcoming and not scary for new people.

Overall I hope I can bring a fresh view, help people feel included, make things smoother and better organised, and show that young people aren’t just the future of the party but can be the present too.