Politics for all, says youngest councillor

ANGUS’S youngest councillor is hoping his election can encourage more young people to consider a career in politics.

Ben Lawrie, 22, was elected after juggling his campaigning with his studies for his International Relations exams at St Andrews University.

Mr Lawrie, who represents Monifieth and Sidlaw for the Lib Dems, said the balancing act helped him understand why so few students are involved in politics.

“Balancing a campaign with studying takes a lot of time and effort, and it was very difficult,” he said.

“It helped me understand why not that many students are involved in politics.

“That only motivated me to get stuck in even more because someone has to represent us. In politics, you get out what you put in.

“You can run a campaign putting in the minimum effort but when you’re in a small party that’s in last place in your area, the minimum effort won’t get you elected.”

Mr Lawrie, a former Dundee College student, managed to pass both of his exams despite not being able to find the time to study after being elected.

“I hope that by getting elected, I’ve shown other people my age that politics is for everyone,” he continued.

“If I can do it, so can anyone.”

Volunteers Linda Anderson, Anne Reid and Lynne Christie. Above, a community garden at the centre is opened.