Young politicians hope to win county council seats

The number of councillors in England under-45 has increased slightly since 2006

Young councillors stand out in council chambers like sore thumbs because there are typically not many of them.

The average age of a councillor in England is 60, according to the most recent survey, with under-39s making up only 10% of elected members.

People can stand for their local council at the age of 18, but most councillors are a lot older, and much more likely to be retired than the population as a whole.

Here are some of the young people hoping for a seat on Shropshire Council after local elections on 1 May.

'It's time that young people stand up'

Freddie Anderson said the Conservatives were the party of prosperity

Freddie Anderson, 18, Shrewsbury, Conservative

"Currently I'm an A-level student studying politics, economics and history. I also work as a barista at Attingham Park.

"As an 18-year-old I see Shrewsbury as a brilliant town full of great opportunity and potential. But we're not tapping into that, we're not listening to young people.

"It's time that young people stand up and actually get a seat round the table and get listened to. That's something I'm really, really passionate about."

'I have a fresh perspective'

Sho Abdul joined the Lib Dems because the party is "pioneering change" in Shropshire

Sho Abdul, 29, Whitchurch, Liberal Democrats

"I've lived here all my life. I went to school here and played sports in the area.

"I like to think I have a different perspective. I'm not saying I have more experience or I'm better at the job than the current electives, but I have a fresh perspective.

"Younger people have their fingers on the pulse with local government issues, with social media and how our environment is at the moment."

'Younger generation would bring new ideas'

Huw Rees is standing for Labour because he "shares the same values"

Huw Rees, 26, Bridgnorth, Labour

"I run Bridgnorth Pride independently and for the last few months I've also been running a petition to save one of Bridgnorth's landmarks.

"Having a younger generation on the council would bring new ideas and a fresh perspective.

"Currently we have an older generation on the council, and they represent their own needs. But having a younger generation would bring a new perspective and allow younger people to be better represented."

'Decisions affect future generations'

Sophie Hughes-Saunier said her views on "social and environmental justice" aligned with the Green Party

Sophie Hughes-Saunier, 32, St Martin's, Green Party

"I have a no-dig organic allotment here in St Martin's and I love to visit local nature reserves, including Ifton Meadows.

"I don't believe young voices are being represented at the moment on Shropshire Council.

"I believe young people can provide some new, fresh ideas, as the decisions that are being made by Shropshire Council are going to affect younger generations and future generations."

'Decisions affect younger people for longer'

Andrew Hancox said a group of independents would "best represent" their areas

Andrew Hancox, 40, Highley, Shropshire First independent group

"I've lived in Highley for three years. I fell in love with it mainly for the Severn Valley Railway, but also because you can see the church where we got married.

"Younger people are crucial for the future. The decisions that politicians make will affect younger people more, and for longer.

"To have someone on Shropshire First who is 18, we've got a fresh insight into what is affecting people of that age and we can make decisions that are better for the longer term."

'They need to make a difference'

Thomas Clayton said Reform UK was the party to reshape Shropshire Council

Thomas Clayton, 25, Shifnal, Reform UK

"I've worked in a number of roles throughout my life, including with vulnerable adults and children.

"I think young blood on the council would be absolutely fantastic, for the simple reason that they know how to use the internet to better represent their people.

"They need to make a difference. They don't want to see a country that's worse off in the next couple of years."

A list of candidates standing where you live can be found here.