Maya Pons

My name is Maya Pons (L1956087) and I am asking for you to consider nominating me for chair of Scottish Young Labour. I joined Labour in 2021, with the conviction that this party was the most viable vehicle for implementing social justice and other progressive values in the UK. I felt then, as I do now, that 14 years of Tory austerity and almost 15 years of SNP equalled only decline for the UK and for Scotland. Labour governments, I knew on the other hand, have always worked to drive this country forward.

I am proud to be a member of Scotland’s vibrant youth wing and to campaign alongside many of the most passionate and dedicated activists in the Labour movement. I’m running to champion that vibrancy and ensure it is recognised in the upcoming campaign for Holyrood elections. I want young people’s voices to be central to local candidates’ campaigns.

As chair, I would seek to consistently organise travel-funded SYL campaign days to encourage young members across Scotland to campaign in target seats. But that isn’t enough—young people, their concerns and their ambitions, must be the priority of a potential Scottish Labour government. I am passionate about standing up for the issues young people feel strongly about: climate change, the housing crisis, education, mental healthcare, and trans rights. As part of my efforts to create a more vigorous feedback loop, I would organise events in a more diverse range of places across Scotland and online. No one should have their participation in SYL limited by where they live and I am committed to making the organisation more accessible.