Politics Grows Up - Braintree's Youngest Candidate Seeks Election

Online, April 20, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Eighteen year old Stephen Canning has today confirmed he has entered the race to be elected as a councillor representing the Bocking Blackwater ward on Braintree District Council. After confirming his candidature for the local Converative Party Mr Canning said:

"I have decided to run in these Local Elections because after years of criticising politicians, and politics in general, from the sidelines, I felt that it was time to actually get involved in the process and try to effect change from within.

I think it's time for a new generation of councillors who are focused on getting the most out of our rates, who want to connect with the people they represent and who aren't part of a stereotypical background.

I want to use my background in representing and helping young people be heard to further engage disenfranchised young people with the local council and get them more involved in how it is run. It is my aim to be a voice for everyone, young and old, abled and disabled, wealthy or not-so to ensure that everyone has a say in the future of their local area.

By voting for me, the residents of Bocking Blackwater can help to ensure that we continue with the great work that the council has achieved and that Braintree District Council becomes a by word for excellence in engagement"

Stephen Canning, 18, has been a resident of Bocking Blackwater all his life and is a student of the Colchester Sixth Form College. He is the youngest of a family of five and the son of a painter and decorator and a teaching assistant. Stephen is also the Chairman of the Braintree Conservative Future.