Lib Dems stand youngest ever candidates in Borough Elections

10.52.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 12th Apr 2007

Andreas Christodoulou "The Council needs to represent all ages in the town and it is right that the age limit has been reduced."

The Borough Council elections on May 3rd are the first set of local elections where the age somebody can be a candidate has reduced from 21 t0 18. Northampton Liberal Democrats are standing three candidates who are 21 and under and are therefore probably the youngest ever to stand for election to the Council.

Andreas Christodoulou was 18 on 27th February and is standing in Weston ward. University of Northampton students, Michael Maher and Eamon Lindsell who are aged 21 and 19 are both standing in New Duston ward. In addition former University student, and now nurse Portia Wilson, aged 22 is standing for the party in Parklands ward.

Andreas Christodoulou, who is also Chair of Northampton Lib Dem Youth & Students Group, said

"The Council needs to represent all ages in the town and it is right that the age limit has been reduced - before you could vote at 18 but couldn't be a candidate this has now been put right. Too often Councillors are seen as people who are retired with time on their hands - I want to change that and bring a different perspective to the way the town is run".

University of Northampton student Michael Maher said

"The Liberal Democrats currently have the youngest MP in Parliament with Jenny Willott MP who represents Cardiff Central. She was helped in her campaign by Cardiff University students. We want to encourage more students to get involved in politics because they can make a difference - whether helping get an MP elected or standing for the Council it is not only taking an active part in how things are run but good fun as well "