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Harriet Main

CYW Candidate Profile - Katie Sanderson

Updated: Mar 24, 2021

"I became involved in Conservative Young Women because it’s a great community to meet like-minded young women who are interested in discussing politics and standing for council."

Katie Sanderson is 23 years old and originally from North Yorkshire and she currently lives in East Sussex with her family and rescue dog, Toby. Her family loves the coast and after visiting for so many years, it was an obvious choice to stay. Katie loves kayaking and exploring new places, she is currently studying towards a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree and is interested in psychosis and why people do what they do/how they think. Katie is also running to be the County Councillor for Peacehaven in the upcoming East Sussex County Council elections.


Why did you get involved in Conservative Young Women?


Conservative Young Women is a strong organisation supporting those across the UK. I became involved in Conservative Young Women because it’s a great community to meet like-minded young women who are interested in discussing politics and standing for council. It’s also a great way to meet new friends with similar interests, not just in your area, but from all over.


How have Conservative Young Women supported you in standing?


Conservative Young Women have supported me by pointing me towards training and assisting with promoting fundraising events I have organised with MPs and Ministers.

What kind of jobs have you had in the past?


After I completed my A Levels, I spent over 6 years in the Cyber Security industry working with central government helping to keep people and businesses safe from CyberCrime as a GCHQ Certified Engagement Lead. I am also Co-Founder of the ‘South East Cyber Security Cluster’ which launched as part of the Prime Minister’s UK wide initiative in 2014 to help protect our country from online threats. Whilst in the industry, I was also invited to speak to over 100 young women as a ‘CyberFirst’ speaker as part of a programme launched by GCHQ which aims to inspire young women to start a career in the industry. I now work in my local MP’s office helping constituents with cases from housing and immigration, to local issues regarding our roads and schools.


Why did you decide to stand to be a local Councillor?


I decided to stand as a councillor because I am a hard-working, empathetic, determined individual who wants to be able to improve the lives of residents in my community. I am persistent and will ensure I am able to help those who reach out to me.


What are the biggest challenges can you see facing local councils?


After speaking to several individuals, it is clear there is a lack of trust in councillors. People don’t believe that councillors really want to help them in their times of need and that is why I am standing. I want to take on this challenge and show people that we do care, we are here to help and more importantly, we want to help!


How are you going to communicate with your constituents?


There are so many ways to reach constituents. Some of the ways I have reached constituents has been by delivering leaflets, emailing, phoning and reaching out on social media with regular updates.



What is your current favourite Netflix show?


The Big Bang Theory, Friends and Schitts Creek are always my go to programmes for something on in the background. Other programmes I am currently watching are The Queen’s Gambit and Orphan Black.


If you could have dinner with any three people, who would it be?


If I could choose any 3 people, living or dead, to have for dinner I would choose The Queen, David Attenborough and Albert Einstein.


What do you like to do in your spare time?


In my spare time I enjoy kayaking, baking, volunteering in my local community and spending time with my family and friends.


If you went on Mastermind, what would your subject be?


I’m a huge Harry Potter fan so it would have to be Harry Potter! Maybe The Big Bang Theory too.

Conservative Young Women are dedicated to encouraging and supporting young women in the Conservative Party. We are on a mission to get more women into public office at every level and we provide support to anyone who wants to stand.

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