Benjamin Smith is a young Green Party politician. He has been the Deputy Leader of the Welsh Green Party since 2017. In addition to politics, Benjamin is a Graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where he is a qualified musician. He is also a freelance sound designer. He has achieved all of this at the age of just 19, so I was buzzing to get some questions off my chest!
Hello, Mr Smith. You've achieved some amazing things so far! Could you tell me a bit about your role?
It's mainly about being a public face for the party. It's also about being a visible representation of the Greens and the policies we have in Wales.
Leader and Deputy Leader are very similar. What responsibilities and duties do you have as Deputy that differ from what the Leader does?
The Deputy is the person who gets out among local party members while the leader handles bigger issues. The Leader is responsible for supporting the Deputy in looking after the parties' public face.
What struggles did you face in getting your role?
None as such. I feel certain people perhaps didn't think at the time a 19 year old could fill the role but I feel I have been supported.
While we're on the subject of leading, if there was just one thing you'd commit to achieving in your term of office, what would it be?
I'd like to see our first Green Member of the Welsh assembly while I'm still Deputy.
What interviews did you have to do prior to becoming Deputy?
Mostly radio and face to face. I did a discussion about the 2017 General Election, which was shown on Cardiff TV as well.
What do you do aside from politics?
I'm a very keen footballer, as well as being a referee. The team I support are called Plymouth Argyle. I also write poetry as well as sing for a band.
It's amazing that you've made it as a young politician. What would be your advice to aspiring young politicians looking to follow in your footsteps?
Just go for it! You are as important as any adult, so take the plunge and put yourself out there.
Why vote Green?
If you want a radical alternative to mainstream politics, have a passion for people as well as the planet, then the Greens are the party for you.
Many thanks, Sir! Best of luck in your role!
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