A teenager, who is still at college studying for his A Levels, could be one of the youngest councillors in the country after winning a ward in the Ribble Valley.
Aaron Wilkins-Odudu, from Whalley, is the new Labour councillor for the Whalley Nethertown ward.
At 18, he is thought to be Lancashire’s youngest councillor and could be one of the youngest in the country.
His victory was one of seven picked up by Labour in the Ribble Valley, having had no representatives at all in the borough pre-election.
Aaron said he was shocked to have won, after Labour took seven seats as the Conservatives lost eight councillors in total, losing their majority control of the borough in the process and leaving the political destiny of the Ribble Valley's executive in the balance.
Aaron, who is passionate about access to affordable housing and the climate, said: “I was quite shocked but also felt a real sense of achievement.
“I believe it’s the first time a Labour candidate has won in the Whalley Nethertown ward so that was really quite surprising.
“Unless someone historically has been elected between February and May, I am fairly confident that I am the youngest Ribble Valley councillor.
“I feel honoured more than pressured. Some people might question my age and experience but I am prepared and want to throw myself in [to any situation].
“I am more than up to the task ahead of me. I am excited to be involved in such an impactful way.”
How the make up of Ribble Valley Council changed at last week's election
He hopes he can become a spokesperson for young people in the district.
He said: “I was overjoyed because I think the voice of young people in politics is so small and one of my aims is to amplify that voice.
“I am hoping to act as a voice for young people and represent the interests and values we hold.”
Aaron, who has been a member of the Labour party since the age of 15, has ambitious plans of improving his ward and wider parts of the Ribble Valley, despite still having A-Level exams to finish at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.
He said: “Climate is my biggest focus.
“I think housing is quite an important area that I would like to be involved in.
"Increasing the amount of affordable housing was one of the pledges on my campaign leaflet.”
Aaron says it is “time for change” in the Ribble Valley and he thinks a similar outcome could follow at the next general election.
According to polling aggregator Electoral Calculus, Labour is on track to take the Ribble Valley from veteran Tory MP Nigel Evans.
He said: “I think it’s time for change in the Ribble Valley.
“I have spent most of my life growing up under a Conservative government.
“I think we have seen a huge squeeze on people’s living standards. The wealth inequality gap has grown exponentially.
“These things have inspired me to get involved in politics because the country is facing so many big problems and I don’t think the Conservatives are equipped to deal with them.”
Aaron, whose cousin is celebrity Blackburn presenter AJ Odudu, said: “My entire family is pleased for me. They are all very supportive.
“I am excited and looking forward to what the next few years have in store. I am hoping to study politics at university and will be tackling local issues
“I hope I can do the people of the Ribble Valley proud and represent young people.
“I am very grateful for the people who have supported me and voted for me.”
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