I am an aspiring council candidate for the Conservative party in the upcoming local elections in May.

I was very disappointed whilst recently undertaking some community work when a trader in Cheam village verbally attacked me on the sole basis that as a 22 year old I am apparently too young to stand as a candidate for local government.

Cheam is a vibrant village with voters across the age groups, with an increasing number of younger ones.

Isn't it right that younger people’s views, as well as others, are represented?

The legal age to be eligible to stand as a council candidate is 18 years old and this surely accepts that if elected they are old enough to serve.

I personally believe that if a younger person wishes to stand for a local election and have been accepted by their relevant local organisation, then they should not be belittled because of their age.

Surely we need more young people interested in local government? There are few enough as it is.

Holly Ramsey, Sutton and Cheam Conservative Action Team

 

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