I’m Caleb, and I am the joint Young Conservative Representative of the Epsom and Ewell Conservative Association, alongside my friend Tom.

Epsom and Ewell is an integral part of my life. I was born in Epsom hospital, I live in Stoneleigh, I went to school in Ewell and I had my first job in an Epsom shop. As my home, I want Epsom and Ewell to thrive and proposer.

By being a young Conservative, you tend to be an outlier. Many times I have asked myself, why am I a conservative? It isn’t about being born into wealth, it is about believing in fundamental conservative principles which the Conservative party is founded on. They include a belief in the rule of law, fiscal responsibility, protection of our country’s heritage and natural beauty, aspiration, freedom and patriotism. These are the values we know work for the country, and which should be upheld in Epsom and Ewell.

My interest in politics was ignited by the tumultuous years of Brexit, and my loyalty to the party was confirmed with the 2019 general election. I decided to reach out to the EECA during the pandemic, when politics entered our lives at unprecedented levels. Going to the University of Warwick, to study Politics, and joining the Conservative society showed me how fulfilling it can be to make friends with likeminded people and to campaign for brilliant councillors.

As we emerged from the pandemic, I took the opportunity to try and become an active member of the EECA; I was welcomed with open arms. To think that Conservative associations are just old men discussing politics in smoke filled rooms is simply wrong. Since joining, I have met some amazing people, been a part of local politics, and have made some lifelong memories. My only regret is not getting more involved sooner.

Tom and I are continuously looking for new ways to make the association more accessible, visible and engaging. We hope to encourage more young conservatives to join, and to show how fantastic the Epsom and Ewell Conservative Association is.