Younger faces at council to start work

Callum Buxton, 21, Luke Proudfoot, 23, Edward Crouch, 28, and Louise Murphy, 29, all won their respective campaigns after they were entrusted with selection the Conservatives, which now holds a strong majority.

Worthing Borough Council now has a diverse range of ages represented but the four new young-guns do not think their youth will be a disadvantage.

“I would like to think that all of the newly elected councillors will be judged on their abilities rather than their age,” said Mr Proudfoot, who saw off the threat of UKIP in Castle ward.

Mr Buxton added: “To some extent my age has been a slight hindrance - people do question your knowledge or experience when you are only 21.

“That has been easily circumnavigated, thankfully, when I show what I have already achieved and been involved in over the last 6 years, including youth council and serving on parish councils.”

The council’s newest members are the first in their 20s, with the next crop of younger representatives in their early 30s.

The group say evening meetings and flexible working now allows people of working age afford the time to attend meetings and carry out their duties.

Mr Crouch said: “Most business is carried out after working hours so being a regular councillor is pretty inclusive. For higher-ranked positions the pay is low and without a second income would not be viable to most people.

“The question is whether the public want to professionalise lay councillors and pay the associated costs. It’s a tough balance, but a conversation that we should certainly have locally.”

For the full story, see the Worthing Herald, out Thursday, June 19.