Lewisham Member elected London Young Liberals' Chair

New Chair of London Young Liberals, Lewisham’s Data Officer Josh Mitte, interviewed by Maggie Clarke, Lewisham Events Officer

Maggie: When did you join Lewisham Lib Dems?

Josh: I joined in November 2018, during my last year of Sixth Form and shortly after turning 18. I had been thinking about it long before and was very hesitant, so I started to attend local events to ‘test the waters’, and it was actually Jo Swinson - I didn’t know who she was back then! who pushed me over the line after a chat at one of our local events, Blackheath Fireworks]. 

What did you study at university and which university was it?

History and Politics at the University of Warwick, with a year in Sweden through Erasmus.

What are you doing now workwise or are you doing more studying?

I am currently on a break, planning to start a Law Conversion course but pursuing other professional opportunities in the meantime and I’ve been elected by the Young Liberals to be the Chair of London Young Liberals. In the meantime, I am starting a temporary job with High Fliers to support the development The Times' Top 100 Graduate Employers for 2024-25.

Congratulations! How long will you be Chair for and what would you like to achieve in the role?

My term as London Chair only covers 2024, and with the London and General Elections happening in this year my focus will inevitably be on them. I want to ensure youth issues are being championed in both campaigns, and I am delighted to already see our London Mayoral candidate leading the way on housing. Given how Young Liberals seem to love to travel to campaign, I also hope to replicate 2019’s ‘Gold Squad’ with a group of London Young Liberals, travelling around London to help push us over the line in target areas, especially supporting young candidates as well as those who champion our causes. But above all, I want to ensure young liberals in London have an accessible network of like-minded Gen Zers.

Thank you Josh, best wishes in the role and keep us updated on what you are doing.