Wales’ Youth Ambassador is bidding to become the nation’s youngest councillor aged 18 at next month’s council elections.
Nathan Flanagan, who is on a plumbing course at Ystrad Mynach College, has been selected by Plaid Cymru to contest the Moriah ward which covers Abertysswg and part of Rhymney on Caerphilly County Borough Council.
Nathan, a former pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, of Westville, Abertysswg, first took an interest in politics at the age of 11 and later became chair of the Caerphilly Youth Forum.
Nathan, a Welsh speaker, who is the UK Youth Ambassador for Wales, was recently given a Good Citizen’s Award by the Mayor of Caerphilly, Councillor Vera Jenkins.
Nathan said: “I wanted to get involved in the community I lived in and represent the views of young people so I joined the youth forum and it went from there.
“I’ve enjoyed being a champion for young people and now I want to win a seat on the council so I can represent the community as a whole.
“I’ll be campaigning for better young facilities so that young people have more activities in the area and that bring benefits to the community as a whole.
“I believe elected representatives should be a mix of people of all ages. If elected, I will ensure I work alongside one of the experienced Plaid councillors who would act as a mentor. That is important for any new councillor, whatever age.”
Good luck Nathan Flanagan thats what we need young people to join Plaid and stand for their community.
How refreshing to see a young man like Nathan taking such a keen interest in his community. His track record as Youth Champion for Caerphilly county borough and Wales Youth Ambassadore for the UK has given him a strong political awarenes and his desire to take the next step in becoming an elected councillor for the Moriah ward is admirable in one so young.
Give it your best shot Nathan, we need people like you to take take forward the youth and community agenda.
It is refreshing to see somebody so young take the choice to stand for election in the upcoming local elections. I myself at the ripe age of 26 will be standing for Labour in the Morgan Jones Ward next month and people on the doorstep have said that its good to have young people standing. Young people these days are unfairly stigmatised and levels of engagement in elections is low among 18 – 24 years olds. Positive policies directed towards young people however will help change the scepticism. Lets hope whoever runs the council after May 3rd will do more to represent the views of our young people.
And don't forget Carl Cuss, Labour's candidate in Twyn Carno Ward- at 21, the second youngest candidate. I think all that Allan Pritchard says for Nathan can be said for Carl too- a credit to his community.
Congratulations Nathan. Like most of Plaid candidates you have already proven your worth to the community by leading and representing the Youth Forum which has been instrumental in shaping Council policy in favour of the young.
I`m sorry I dont think an 18 year old has enough maturity to run as a Councillor