Andrew Rushton, Lib Dem candidate in local elections hits the national BBC news as one of very few young candidates standing
From BBC news this morning:
Local Elections 2023: Young councillors 'need seat at table'
Representing the interests of young people in his area was also what persuaded 21-year-old Andrew Rushton to run for his local council.
He's standing for the first time for the Liberal Democrats in Lichfield, which is one of 230 areas in England with local elections on 4 May.
Andrew says he's had a mostly positive reaction from voters but as one of the youngest candidates in his area he found the experience nerve-wracking at first.
"I feel like the impression people get [is that] you're not cut out for the job, people question your experience," he says.
"But I actually think it's really important that young voices are heard because a lot of the things the council does affects young people."
He highlights areas like bus services and housing as key issues for his age group where councils can have an impact.
Andrew is currently in his final year at university and says it has been a challenge juggling campaigning with writing his dissertation and applying for graduate jobs.
With his weekends and evenings now spent delivering leaflets and speaking to voters, his social life has taken a backseat.
He admits being a little nervous about the prospect of starting a career alongside being a councillor if he's elected. But he says his friends have been supportive and he's confident he can manage the competing demands.
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The whole article can be read at
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