A teenager is hoping to become Norfolk County Council's youngest councillor when voters head to the by-election ballot box next month.
Michael Squire, who only turned 18 in February, is standing as an independent candidate in Marshland North, which goes to the polls on May 1.
He said: "I am standing as I don’t believe young people are considered or represented in local politics. Too often, our voices are lost or ignored.
"We need a more diverse range of representatives making the decisions that affect everyone.
"It is important for young people to get involved with their local communities and to vote to ensure their voices are also heard."
He said, as well as youth issues, his priorities are rural investment and services, and roads and infrastructure.
As a new driver, he said he is particularly concerned about the number of potholes on the county's roads and how they are often tackled using only a short-term fix.
The A-level student has grown up with local politics.
He is the son of Sandra Squire, who used to represent the division he is trying to win at County Hall.
She represents Terrington ward at West Norfolk Council, where she is cabinet member for environment and coastal.
The by-election was triggered after Julian Kirk, who had held Marshland North since May 2021, resigned.
Mr Kirk had left the Conservatives to become an independent and then joined Reform UK, saying he would stand for that party in the by-election.
Marshland North division includes Terrington St Clement, Tilney All Saints, Walpole, Walpole Cross Keys, Walpole Highway, West Walton and part of Walsoken.
It is one of three Norfolk County Council by-elections taking place on May 1.
The others are in Thetford West, triggered after South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy quit to focus on his parliamentary duties and Mancroft division in Norwich, following the resignation of Green Jamie Osborn.
The Conservatives have 53 seats at County Hall, the Liberal Democrat Alliance has 10, Labour has nine, the Greens have three, the Independent group has two, while there are three non-aligned independents.
Share