Rushden councillor, 18, thought to be youngest

Jack Spriggs has taken his seat on Rushden Town Council

An 18-year-old from Northamptonshire is thought to have become the youngest councillor in England and Wales.

Jack Spriggs, a Conservative, took his seat at Rushden Town Council on Tuesday, representing Hayden ward.

Mr Spriggs, who turned 18 on 19 April, works as a researcher for Peter Bone, Wellingborough's Conservative MP.

A spokesman for the Local Government Association said it was "very likely" that Mr Spriggs was the youngest councillor in the country.

'Life outside politics'

"We can't say for definite but we're not aware of anyone younger," he said.

"It's very likely that he's the youngest in England and Wales, and possibly Scotland, too. It's great that people of all ages are getting involved as councillors."

Mr Spriggs was co-opted to the council after another member stood down and nobody challenged him for the vacant seat.

He admitted it was unusual for someone his age to be an elected official, but said: "For me, it's all about getting out there and representing people who want and need to be represented.

"It's important to have a broad range of people on a on a council and any form of elected body and that's the main reason why I stood.

"I suppose I'm not really a normal teenage boy but I play rugby, I play sport, I'm an active musician and I have a life outside politics."