A STUDENT has spoken of the support he has received since he announced that he is standing in the upcoming local elections.

Eighteen-year-old Jago Lewis, is standing as a Conservative candidate for the Newbridge ward in the Caerphilly County Borough Council elections. The politics student, who studies at the Coleg Gwent Crosskeys campus, says he has been surprised about how respectful and supportive people have been.

He said: “There can be a lot of mudslinging in elections, but people have been respectful, and people on opposite sides have wished me luck.”

“I thought it would be good for democracy and good politics to have a different choice in Newbridge, and it would be good for me to get my name out there and meet different people.”

Although he is younger than most candidates, Mr Lewis said his age has not been an issue.

He said: “Nobody has brought up my age, and people have been surprised and said it’s nice to see someone my age in politics.

“I’m fortunate to have this opportunity and want to thank everyone for their support. Whatever the result I’m glad that I have done this.”

Robert Southall, lecturer in government, politics and sociology at Coleg Gwent, said that many of his students like Mr Lewis end up working in politics. He has alumni who have gone on to work in Westminster, and one even works in a government think-tank in Washington DC.

He said: “A lot of young people are very motivated to get involved in politics and lot go into work of a political nature.”

The other candidates standing in the Newbridge ward are Kath Baker, Rhys Mills and Wayne Lewis Morrisey for Plaid Cymru, Adrian Alfred Hussey, Leeroy Jeremiah and Gary Johnston for Welsh Labour, Matthew Kidner for the Liberal Democrats, and Stuart Roberston and Heather Robertson for the Welsh Conservatives.