‘It’s important to get young voices into the council’
OWEN YOUNGER meets a man who doesn’t fit the stereotype of a local councillor
GROWING up in Felling with a passion for politics, it seems George Kasfikis was destined to become a councillor, a role he has achieved at the age of just 22.
After attending St John’s Primary School in Felling, and moving to St Alban’s in Pelaw for Year 6, George got into Emmanuel College in Lobley Hill, Gateshead, and it was here where his enthusiasm for politics really kicked off.
He began studying politics at a massively important time for Britain, in 2017, with Brexit and Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour at the forefront of the political conversation.
George said: “It really was a crazy time in British politics. I joined the Labour Party in 2017 as well, and soon became Labour Branch Secretary for Felling, an area I am so passionate about having growing up there.
“I have friends who were in the miner’s strike and I am inspired by people like Tony Benn, so I could see first-hand what happens when politics and people’s rights collide.
“Having a prior role in the Labour Party really helped me. It taught me administration skills as I worked on campaigns.”
It was this insider knowledge and experience that allowed George to become the Labour candidate for Felling, something which he has wanted for a long time.
Even with this prior knowledge, there was a lot of new things for George when it came to the election, as he had to run his own campaign, and go out leafletting, as
well as clearly setting out what he will do to support the people of Felling.
George also went on to talk about what his plans are for Felling, giving some clear messages out as to what he wants to do during his time as councillor.
“We have big plans for Felling, focused around the redevelopment of the area,” he said. “We are planning on demolishing Crowhall Towers and creating new housing in that area.
“We are also creating a Promoting Independence Centre in Felling, which is incredibly useful as a stage between people being in hospital and living independently once again.
“This will also create new jobs in the area and we are hopeful that this will be developed later this year.”
Aged just 22, he is one of the youngest ever councillors to represent the people of Gateshead – and he feels it’s important that other young voices join him in local politics.
“I know this ward inside out and I see it on a day to day basis, so I don’t think I got be better placed to serve its residents.
“I think it’s important to get young voices into the council, and it’s great to be supported by some of the more senior councillors who are passing the baton down to me.
“I am here to work hard for the people of Felling and I can’t wait to get stuck in. I hope I can serve the people of Felling well. I would finally like to thank Bill Dick and Sonya Dickie, the other councillors in Felling, for being so supportive and helpful throughout my campaign.”