Reece Ladwa is 24 years old. He was born and raised in the Leicestershire area and has lived there all of his life. He studied locally at Kestrels Field Primary School, Rushey Mead Secondary School, Gateway College and De Montfort University. He loves going to the gym and he enjoys watching his local team Leicester City which he has supported all of my life.
In 2019, he stood to become Leicester City Councillor for the Conservative Party, at the age of 20. Making him one of the youngest candidates not just across the whole of Leicester but also the whole country.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Being born and bred in Leicester, I feel as if Leicester is the place that I have always called home and felt the most comfortable at. I have been abroad to many different destinations, but I think that it is fair to say, none of them are like home.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
I've had a few proud achievements, but the proudest have to be receiving student of the year at Gateway College and to receive two scholarships, at the same time. This was due to my outstanding academic portfolio.
3) What inspires you?
I am inspired by ambition and hard work. I feel as if working hard always benefits you, and that’s what inspires me to work hard. My grandad worked very hard when he came to this country, and he has made a life for himself and left future generations his legacy. My grandfather is someone who has truly inspired me to go the extra mile in every challenge.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Biggest obstacle I overcame was the resistance and challenge I was up against at school and college. This was because I was very forward about my political affiliation, and I was heavily criticised by my peers and teachers. However, I stood up hard against it and still stood up for what I believed in.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
If it is someone I personally know, I would say my Parents have influenced and pushed me to achieve better things in my career. They have always believed in me and backed me all the way.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
The best aspect about my current role is engagement with my customers and I am very passionate about giving a good service. As a result, the customer has had a very nice dining experience. It’s building that relationship with the customer during their visit is what I enjoy most about my role. It helps me to understand my customer better.
7) And the worst?
I wouldn’t say that it is something bad, but it is a challenge which we face? With the cost-of-living crisis, people haven’t got the disposable income to go out for a nice meal. It’s a very turbulent time in hospitality at the moment, and the sector as a whole is in gradual decline. Unless the cost-of-living eases on families, the hospitality sector itself is going to struggle massively. Especially small to medium size chains.
8) What are your long term goals?
My long-term goal is to pursue my career in Politics. It is something which I want to peruse at a local level as I am a great believer in the importance of local government. Whether it is in the front line or an advisory role, it is something I will continue to pursue.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Completely transform Universal Credit and make the support more targeted, ensuring the families that need it most, are getting it first. On the current system, there are many households who simply do not need it. And many individuals are using Universal Credit to fund a lavish lifestyle for themselves, at the expense of their children.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
The historical figure which is wanting to be stuck on an island with is probably Rev Jesse Jackson. It was absolutely admirable what he did as a civil rights activist. He championed many causes. And I feel as if I could gain some great knowledge and wisdom from him.
