Barry Stamp Supports Call For More Young People To Stand In Next Year's Elections

4.34.00pm GMT Tue 14th Nov 2006

Barry Stamp has thrown his weight behind a call for more young people to become active in local politics.

Barry was supporting the comments made by fellow Lib Dem Councillor David Seary who said he was concerned that Stafford Borough Council was not in touch with the needs of younger residents as only 4 members of the 59 member Council were under the age of 50.

David made the comments following publication of the governments plan for democracy.

"Older people may be thought of as taking a more judgemental approach, but do they have the dynamism, drive and enthusiasm of younger members of society? In simple terms, can they be up to date with all that is required in this rapidly changing world? At the very least, one would hope councillors would be cross-section of age ranges, and certainly not like we currently have on the Borough Council, said David Seary.

"I am extremely pleased that David has raised this important issue ahead of next year's Council elections. Like him I would urge all political parties to look at the final list of candidates and try to ensure they include people of all ages. However perhaps we should also look at how we operate to make the idea of becoming a councillor more appealing. I for one would support holding council meetings outside of core the working day so young people would be free to attend. I would also like to suggest that there should be change in the law so councillors after retire at a certain age - perhaps 65 0r 67. Next year if some of the Stafford's current councillors stand for re-election they will be nearly 80 before the elections come round again in 2011," said Barry Stamp.