Is new councillor for Mash Barn youngest in UK?
Jack Chapman, from Lancing, celebrated a landslide victory in the Mash Barn by-election, with 57 per cent of the vote.
The UKIP member is a former politics student of the party’s East Worthing and Shoreham chairman Mike Glennon, and said his age would not affect his performance.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said: “I think there was a bit of concern about my age, but it was all very cordial and I was surprised people didn’t worry about my age more.
“I had a suspicion I might win as there was a lot of support for UKIP in the county council elections but to win by so much was a surprise.”
Jack takes over from Lib-Dem Julie Petrie, who resigned her position.
He was inspired to join UKIP when he attended Nigel Farage’s talk at the parish hall last October.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe is also a former politics student of East Worthing and Shoreham UKIP chairman Mike Glennon.
Jack said: “I was approached shortly after the county council elections when Mike rang me up.
“I only told my parents about it after I had made the decision.”
Jack is now looking forward to addressing concerns that residents have raised to him during canvassing.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said: “There are concerns about development in the ward, amongst other things, but one thing which struck me is that Lancing is the largest village in the UK, and I think we have lost sight of that, so we need to make the most of that title.”
Lancing Parish Council clerk Colin Hunt said it was refreshing to see a young person getting involved with the council.
He said: “It’s nice to have some fresh blood. He seems level-headed and it will be a great experience for him.
“We have three councillors now under the age of 20, and they are all quite able.
“It’s nice to have some new ideas.”