Brighton has two names on this year’s Sunday Times Young Power List, announced on 17 April — a celebration of the 30 most inspiring young people in Britain selected by the paper’s editors.
It is a strong showing for the city. Brighton has long punched above its weight in creative and political talent, and two of the 30 names on one of Britain’s most prestigious young talent lists coming from the same city says something about the environment that produces them.
Jack Edwards — The Internet’s Resident Librarian
Jack Edwards, 27, has built one of the most distinctive and genuinely influential presences in British online culture. Described as the “internet’s resident librarian,” he has amassed over two million followers across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok through videos about books, publishing and encouraging young people to read.
In an era when screen time is routinely blamed for declining reading habits, Edwards has done the opposite — using those same platforms to make books feel urgent, exciting and socially relevant to an audience that might otherwise never pick one up. His inclusion on the Young Power List reflects both his reach and the cultural significance of what he has built.
Ciara Alleyne — Breaking Barriers in Politics
Ciara Alleyne, 22, is co-chair of the Young Greens and made history as the first person of colour to hold the role since the organisation was founded in 2002. Now studying for a master’s degree at Imperial College London, she has been a prominent voice on representation and the urgent need for greater diversity in British political life.
Her inclusion on the list — alongside names from sport, music and business — signals that political activism and the fight for representation are being recognised as equally transformative forces as entrepreneurship or artistic achievement.
The list also includes footballer Alessia Russo and chart-topping musician Raye, who is set to headline Pride on the Park this summer. Winners are selected by Sunday Times editors and each features in an exclusive interview in the special edition.
Sunday Times commissioning editor Hannah Swerling said the list reflects a generation rewriting the rules of success — fighting for social change, building businesses, breaking records and lighting up the world stage.
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