Park Street parish by election - Josh Molloy, Labour (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Park Street parish by election - Josh Molloy, Labour

3:00pm Monday 12th November 2012 in News

One of the youngest candidates to ever stand for election in the district is hoping to be named the next parish councillor.

Josh Molloy, who is the Labour candidate for Thursday’s election, will be 18 years and 43 days when his name appears on the ballot paper.

The teenager, who is currently studying A-levels in politics, English and history at Marlborough School, has grown up in the ward.

He said: "I am passionate about local politics. I want to be part of it. I care a lot about Park Street.

"I’m passionate about issues that affect everyone living in St Albans, young and old.

"We need a councillor who is vocal who will stand up for the residents." Mr Molloy believes that his youth makes him different to the other candidates.

He said: "I bring something new to the table. I’m looking at things from a different perspective.

"There aren’t enough young people in local politics and yet a lot of the major policies at the moment disproportionately affect young people.

"We are being hit hard by what the Government and the council are doing."

He says that the lack of affordable housing in the district is a particular concern.

He said: "As a young person it is likely that I won’t be able to move back into St Albans after I study.

"We need to build more affordable homes, particularly for families, in the district. I’m quite passionate about that."