I just want to help, says new 18-year-old councillor

Wilson Colley is studying law and politics at Lancaster University

A student who has been elected as a councillor in Lancaster, has told how he made the move out of a desire to make a difference to his community.

Eighteen-year-old Wilson Colley will represent the Green Party in the city's John O'Gaunt ward, getting almost double the votes of his nearest rival in the recent elections.

He said he joined the party after feeling "very disappointed with the performance of the main parties in government" who were not offering "any real hope of real change".

"We're the only party offering a real alternative to austerity", said the first-year law and politics student at Lancaster University.

He said: "I found myself doing work with the Greens in John O'Gaunt, particularly helping out in alley cleans and door knocking, asking about issues.

"I found out that I really enjoyed this community work and I would like to do it in a more official capacity.

"The opportunity came up that we needed a candidate, I stood and got chosen."

'Young people crucial'

Wilson, who credited his passion for politics down to his father's influence, continued: "Don't get me wrong it is laborious and at times dull, I don't think anyone on the council can deny that, but it is important so I feel like that justifies the time and effort put in.

"I can't say that I will enjoy every aspect of the work - some of it will be gruelling and bureaucratic, but it is necessary and it needs to be done correctly.

"By getting in, I can ensure that it is done in that manner."

Beyond his current life as a student, Wilson says he has not thought too much about a long-term career in politics.

"Ultimately, I want to help my community as best I can, he said.

"I want to help advance the Green Party's agenda, so we will see how that leads me in the future."

Young people in politics is of course not unheard of.

Labour MP Sam Carling was just 22 when he won his seat last year in north-west Cambridgeshire, and Wilson believes young voices in politics is crucial.

"There has been less participation amongst the youth, which is a very concerning thing," he said.

"We feel the effects of current policy in the long term, whereas many of those in politics may not.

"It is crucial that youth have a significant voice on government in every level."

On his current to-do list, Wilson admits the issues will be typical of most city councillors.

"We've got issues of littering, fly tipping and dog muck. Just standard stuff that we deal with," he said.

"I believe politics on a community level is really where change can happen"

However, he admits he is not quite yet done with the student life too.

"Becoming a councillor has meant that I will sacrifice a fair amount of my spare time, but I'll be sure to make a little bit of time for the student lifestyle." he said.

"Even if it is a bit calmer and more civilised".