The UK is preparing for a significant shift in political leadership with today’s [4 July] general election. Polls suggest a potential end to the 14-year reign of the Conservative Party. Voters like Molly, an 18-year-old journalism student from the Black Isle, will be participating for the first time. Her concerns reflect broader anxieties among young people regarding the future of the NHS, environmental policies, and local needs such as improved public transport and affordable housing in the Highlands.
Candidates across the Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire, Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, and Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituencies have been engaging with voters, outlining their priorities to address these issues.
Additionally, the LGBTQ+ community, representing an estimated 13% of the population, plays an influential role in the election. Their high political engagement and focus on key issues such as anti-discrimination laws, marriage equality, and healthcare access can significantly sway outcomes, especially in closely contested races. Candidates and parties that effectively address the concerns of LGBTQ+ voters and other marginalized groups can gain a significant electoral advantage.