The project aims to capture portraits of candidates from across the whole political spectrum, standing in their potential future constituencies.

The 2024 General Election comes at a time where polarisation and disaffection are commonplace. Research commissioned for this project found that over half of first time voters feel no party represents them, there is a lack of trust with the political process and many feel like they have no influence over national decision making. This alienation colours our response to images of political candidates.

And yet, there remains something noble in the optimism of political candidacy. Despite the flaws in any democratic system, the fact that people from all walks of life, with diverse opinions have the opportunity and courage to put themselves forward, is something to be cherished.

The Hopefuls celebrates this by photographing candidates – both lesser-known and from major parties – and interviewing them about their values and policies. This non-partisan self-funded project from portrait photographer Tom Oldham, and creative producer Ruth Newton, aims to engage first-time voters, encourage them to register to vote, exercise their democratic right and remind them that their voice matters.

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