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Leo Pargeter (born March 2007) is a young British Conservative activist, political commentator, and writer. Known for his active involvement in political campaigns and debates, Leo has emerged as a prominent voice among his peers, advocating for constructive dialogue and political engagement.

Early Life and Education

Leo developed an early interest in politics, influenced by his studies at GCSE level. His exploration of historical topics such as the rise and fall of Nazi Germany, life under East German Soviet rule, and the Middle East conflict sparked a lifelong fascination with how historical events shape contemporary geopolitics.

Currently, he is pursuing A-levels in Politics, History, and English Literature. These studies have equipped him with strong critical thinking and analytical skills, which he applies to his political work.

Political Career and Activism

Leo’s political career began to take shape in August 2022, when he attended the Conservative Leadership Hustings. At the event, he asked Rishi Sunak a question on young people's mental health in the aftermath of COVID-19. His question posed in front of a live audience of 3,000 and streamed to over 300,000 online viewers, solidified his commitment to addressing issues directly impacting his generation.

Since then, Leo has been deeply involved in political campaigning. During the Kingswood by-election, he devoted extensive time to leafleting and door-knocking, often exceeding the efforts of paid campaigners.

Debating and Public Speaking

Leo has participated in numerous debating platforms, including representing Australia at his school’s Model United Nations conference in the UNESCO Committee. In this role, he worked on drafting resolutions and collaborating on international issues, sharpening his skills in diplomacy and negotiation.

He has also engaged in debates on contemporary topics such as artificial intelligence and freedom of speech, further developing his public speaking and analytical abilities.

Entrepreneurship

In addition to his political activities, Leo founded Activist Apparels , a business combining political expression and fashion. The venture allowed individuals to express their beliefs on issues such as freedom of expression, social justice, and equality. Managing the business helped him develop leadership, marketing, and strategic planning skills, showcasing the intersection of entrepreneurship and advocacy.

Writing and Substack

Leo is the creator of The Young Perspective, a Substack newsletter where he analyses political developments and societal issues. His writing combines sharp critique with a deep understanding of policy and politics, often challenging mainstream narratives.

In his debut post, "Kemi Badenoch’s Victory: A New Dawn for Conservatism", Leo reflected on Badenoch’s leadership, writing:

"Her commitment to honesty about our past missteps is both refreshing and necessary. She openly acknowledged, ‘We have to be honest about the fact that we made mistakes, honest about the fact that we let standards slip.’ Such candour is rare in politics and suggests a readiness to confront the issues that have eroded public trust.”

In "Labour: The Party of Do As I Say, Not As I Do", Leo criticised Labour’s selective approach to inclusivity, stating:

"Labour loves to sell itself as the party of equality, inclusivity, and moral virtue. But if it’s really the champion of diversity it claims to be, why do its own members keep landing in hot water over racially offensive remarks? And why is Two-Tier Keir so selective about who faces consequences?”

Leo also delved into the cultural divide exposed by the 2024 US presidential election in his post, "Trump’s Triumph, Harris’s Failures, and the Woke-Left’s Meltdown" . Reflecting on Kamala Harris’s concession speech and the liberal reaction to her loss, he wrote:

"Harris’s campaign was riddled with mixed messages and empty promises that failed to connect with the majority of Americans. While liberals rage online, the rest of the country is preparing to move forward with a government focused on real issues.”

In another article, "Chancellor Dalek and Her Big State Power Grab That Targets Farmers", Leo highlighted the challenges facing Britain’s rural communities, writing:

"Labour’s inheritance tax raid is a betrayal of Britain’s farmers, driven by a liberal elite that fails to understand or respect rural life. Farmers and Jeremy Clarkson are standing up not just for their livelihoods but for the future of the countryside itself.”

Readers can explore his work at https://leopargeter.substack.com/publish/home