The 21-year-old – the son of Geoffrey and Alison Spencer-Tucker of Trinity – was selected from a shortlist of applicants after being interviewed by Deputy Kevin Lewis, Constable Len Norman and Michael de la Haye, the Greffier of the States and Honorary Secretary of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
They considered he would make an excellent ambassador for the Island.
Speaking before he left the Island, Ralph said: ‘I decided to apply as I thought that it sounded an exciting opportunity, particularly as I have never been out of Europe before.
‘I was asked for my thoughts on the Commonwealth and its role in the 21st century, as well as my thoughts on the big political issues facing Jersey.’
Proceedings will mirror a normal parliament and will include talks from young members of parliament from across the Commonwealth and a chance to question them.
‘I am particularly looking forward to getting to know more about their countries, cultural backgrounds and parliamentary systems,’ said Ralph.
‘I also have a strong interest in the different legal systems and practices of Commonwealth countries and hope that through meeting other participants I will be able to enrich my knowledge of the subject area.’
A former Victoria College pupil, Ralph graduated from Oxford University with a law degree.
He is currently working for the Bedell Cristin Jersey Partnership but heads to London next year to become a trainee solicitor.
- The 7th Commonwealth Youth Parliament runs from 1 to 5 November in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
- It is an annual core programme of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and rotates alphabetically through the regions of the Commonwealth.
- This years parliament is focused on the theme ‘Deepening the Commonwealths Commitment to Democracy and Youth Development and will see more than 50 young people from across the Commonwealth taking part. It will also involve young Members of Parliament from across the Commonwealth who will participate as mentors to the young people.
- Participants will experience life in the parliamentary spotlight and have practical experience of the parliamentary system while showing how the next generation would approach parliamentary politics. Formal parliamentary practice adapted from several Commonwealth countries will be followed and the proceedings will be observed under the watchful eyes of experienced parliamentary officials. The agenda will include debates, votes on bills and government motions.
- Find out more here
