Claire Hazelgrove's journey from university student to potential US inauguration attendee has been as swift as it has been remarkable. The 20-year-old politics undergraduate at the University of York is set to witness a pivotal moment in American history this week, having secured a spot at Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony and accompanying ball through her work on his presidential campaign in Virginia.
Hazelgrove's role in the US election campaign was far from peripheral. Working tirelessly – sometimes for up to 21 hours a day – she engaged with potential voters, processed data, and registered young people to vote at college campuses and shopping centres. Her involvement was sparked by an American politician's attendance at a Labour spring conference, where Hazelgrove forged lasting connections with like-minded individuals who facilitated her inauguration ticket.
As her international engagement continues to flourish, Hazelgrove is also making significant strides in British politics. At 19, she was selected as the Labour Party's prospective parliamentary candidate for Skipton and Ripon in North Yorkshire – a testament to her dedication to representing young people's concerns, such as property ladder access amidst debt and environmental impact on future generations.
Hazelgrove's ambition to become an MP stems from a desire to offer 'a fresh alternative' to long-serving incumbents, echoing the sentiments of many who advocate for greater diversity in politics. Her previous experience includes standing as a Labour candidate in a school mock general election and volunteering for Northampton North MP Sally Keeble, ultimately motivating her pursuit of a parliamentary candidacy.
With A-levels in history (A), psychology (A), and law (B) from Campion School, Bugbrooke, Northampton, Hazelgrove is poised to graduate this summer. If a general election does not take place before then, she intends to further her experience by working for an MP in Westminster, solidifying her path towards a career in national politics.