William, 18, on the election trail
Student William Gill may only have been legally allowed to drink, gamble and open a bank account in his own name in the last few months.
But this 18-year-old is thinking beyond his relatively young age as he is hoping to be elected as a councillor.
William set to be the youngest candidate standing in the elections for a seat on Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council on May 6.
The 18-year-old has been nominated as a Conservative and Unionist Party member standing for the Great Bridge ward at Tipton.
Currently studying politics, history and geography at Q3 Academy at Tipton, William hopes to soon be out on the campaign trail, once restrictions are eased.
He said: “I want to ensure the people of Great Bridge ward and the wider area of Sandwell get the representation they deserve.
Needs
“I want to protect the green space, an area known as The Sheep Wash Nature Reserve, and invest the necessary funds to ensure it is protected and looked after.”
William said he also wanted to tackle fly-tipping, having been contacted by residents about the problem. But he does not want to be “a one trick pony” and said he understood locals were concerned about an increase in crime rates, particularly anti-social behaviour and speeding.
“We have a police station and I aim to ensure people feel safe and protected,” he said.
“It is disappointing how little people feel their needs are being met by the current council and I hope to breathe new life into the authority.”
Elections were cancelled last year but William said he hoped normal campaigning would be allowed this year – but, if not, he would embrace the use of social media to try and win his votes.
