William, 18, targets council seat

From the archive, first published Thursday 8th Mar 2007.

A TEENAGER could make history this May, by becoming the youngest councillor ever.

William Lloyd, 18, of Eagle Way, Warley, is standing for the Conservative Party. He is currently head boy at Brentwood County High School and is studying for his A levels. He hopes to read politics at the University of Westminster next year and commute from his ward.

The young Tory pledged: "I'm going to spend a lot of time in Warley before I produce my manifesto, listening to the issues that bother local people. I'll be there to voice their grievances. I think I could attract younger votes who are disenchanted with the political system. But I'll be there for every generation."

William, who has been a member of the Tory Party for two-and-a-half years, said his interests outside politics are collecting James Bond memorabilia and following rugby union.

Brandon Lewis, leader of Brentwood Council, expressed his full support for William.

He said: "I've always been of the opinion that if you're old enough to vote, you're old enough to stand as a candidate. William's selection is further evidence of how we are a modern party that represents the people of Brentwood. We have a 50/50 balance of men and women. If William wins, we will have candidates aged from 18 to 70, breaking down age barriers."