Towards a Fairer World: A Masterclass with Ellie Chowns
Leo is a Politics and International Relations student at Durham University. Together with his studies, he sits on the advisory board at Stephenson College as a student representative and has recently been elected as the next Vice Chair of the Stephenson Junior Common Room. A staunch advocate for social mobility and justice, Leo works alongside academics at Durham University in the School of Government and International Affairs Department to raise awareness and create opportunities to first generation students, elevating his understanding of under-representation and inequality in politics.
Ellie Chowns MPs’ insights into value-driven leadership and policy left a lasting impact on my cohort and me, empowering us to convert opportunity into meaningful political action. Chowns overturned a safe Conservative seat held since 1906, becoming the first Green MP in the West Midlands. Her journey into politics was at the heart of a truly compelling Masterclass -from working with multiple NGOs and her role as a Fellow in international development at multiple universities, to election victories in both the European and UK Parliament. Her sincerity and enthusiasm shone throughout the Masterclass, instilling a sense of pride and optimism that feels absent in Politics.
Important lessons from Ellie Chowns MP:
Values in Politics
What resonated with us most was Chowns’ value-driven approach to politics. In an era marked by populism and global curtailment of civil liberties, Chowns stressed the importance of ethics and morality in decision making, a message that urged us to reflect deeply on our own career paths as future leaders, and the values we choose to uphold and to fight for. Her message was clear and empowering: get involved, stay curious, and fight for your values.
Importance of Community
Equally powerful was Chowns’ attention to issues facing communities, most notably the impact of climate change, rising social divisions, and economic injustice. Drawing on her experience as a Councillor for Herefordshire and academic posts, she offered practical insights to issues pertaining to climate change and economic inequalities, highlighting the need for regulation and national programmes to alleviate problems facing millions of people across the UK. This included the need for a home insulation programme andvarious changes to taxation to protect the most disadvantaged in society. It was reassuring to see that both Chowns and the Green Party are steadfast in their fight for economic justice, community development, and the worsening climate crisis.
Final Thoughts
Chowns unwavering commitment towards a fairer and more sustainable world, paired with her authentic and forthright approach to politics, made a profound impact on my cohort and me. I am deeply grateful to Patchwork, Ellie Chowns and our outstanding Chair, Florence, for delivering such an insightful and thought-provoking meeting.
