The winds of change are blowing across Armitage and Handsacre, claims Lichfield district council independent candidate Jack Andrea.
The 19-year-old believes it’s time for people to vote for a new kind of politics that stops career politicians from getting into office.
The youngster, who is studying for an undergraduate degree in Education Studies at the University of Wolverhampton, also threw his weight behind Green Party candidate Robert Pass in the parliamentary elections on May 7.
Mr Andrea said: “I’m to the left of British politics, but it was only when tuition fees rose to £9,000 a year in 2012 that I wanted to become more involved in the decision making process.
“We’re represented by career politicians who have no idea what life is like for ordinary men and women. We do need more diversity and youth across all levels of politics.
“I have had to explain to people in the village that I am standing for district council as people are unaware of the different elections that are taking place on May 7.
“I am standing to represent the residents of the village, and I believe by standing as an independent I will be able to do that without being bound by the party line.
“I think Rob Pass came across really well at Speakers’ Corner recently and I will be backing the Green Party in the parliamentary elections on May 7.”
Mr Andrea revealed he had been thinking about standing for district council since February – but he formally declared his intention on April 9.
His friend Sophie Moulton has taken on the role of his election agent.
The 19-year-old, from Rugeley, is a
Media Production student from the University of Derby and revealed she would also be voting Green on May 7.She said: “Jack and I have known each other since secondary school. When I found out he was standing, I offered to help him out in any way I could. I’m acting as his election agent, and I’ve also designed his election leaflets.
“I think it is fantastic that he is standing for district council, and it’s great that other councillors are starting to take notice of Jack.”
Mr Andrea also defended his call to allow residents access to another blue bin if they need one.
The youngster also believes he has enough life experience to make a difference for residents.
He said: “I am not saying everyone should have access to an extra blue bin. For example if someone lived on their own then they wouldn’t need one.
“But I live with a family of four and sometimes we struggle to get all of our rubbish into the blue bin, so I believe households of four or more should have access to another blue bin if they need one.
“I think this is a pertinent problem for young people, where older politicians – wrongly in my opinion – say youngsters don’t have enough experience to get involved in politics – but I actually have experience of our poor public transport system and of our education system.”
The candidates standing in the Lichfield District Council elections in the Armitage with Handsacre ward are:
- Jack Andrea – Independent
- Richard Cox – Conservative
- Steve Hyden – Labour
- Tom Marshall – Conservative
- Derek Mellor – Labour
- Elaine Moore – Labour
- Martyn Tittley – Conservative
The candidates standing in the Lichfield constituency at the parliamentary elections are:
- Andy Bennetts – Class War
- Michael Fabricant – Conservatives
- Robert Pass – Green Party
- John Rackham – UKIP
- Paul Ray – Lib Dem
- Chris Worsey – Labour
