David Cameron MP
Leader of the Conservative Party

In many ways, I’m envious. The first time anyone votes is special. You finally get your chance to have your say on how your country is run. But for people voting for the first time today, it’s even more special. You’re lucky enough to come to voting age in one of those once-in-a-generation elections that will decide the fate of our country for decades to come. It happened in 1979. It happened in 1997. It’s happening again today. So whatever you do, make sure your voice is heard and you play your part.

The biggest issue at stake is our economy. Our national debt will have to be paid back by someone, and the longer we leave it the harder it gets. That’s why we say we have to deal with our debts and start doing that straightaway. But we also need to get our economy growing strongly so we create the jobs you’ll fill in the years ahead. That’s why we have said we will stop Labour’s job tax which threatens to wreck the recovery.

But as important as the economy is, we have also been arguing that there is more to life than money – that what people want, especially young people, is a better quality of life as well. Streets that are safe, an environment that is clean, communities that are vibrant and neighbourly. We won’t achieve this through government action alone. We’re all in this together so we must all play our part. So whether it’s letting residents elect their police commissioner, paying local people to produce renewable energy, or introducing a new generation of community organisers, we want to create a Big Society where people come together and work together to build a better country

This is your opportunity to make this change happen. Make the most of it.

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