As a young councillor, it’s easy to feel a sense of imposter syndrome, but remember: you’ve been elected and entrusted by your community to represent and speak for them.
I was elected in 2023, aged 19, and I’ve really enjoyed getting stuck into my role.
As well as handling issues such as housing and planning, I’ve helped our local football club secure £7,500, assisted a group with funding for tree planting, helped with getting a new community defibrillator, successfully campaigned for inclusive playgrounds, and represented residents experiencing issues with maintenance of open spaces.
I’ve also enjoyed other opportunities to contribute to my community, including as a trustee of a youth charity and a school governor, which have allowed me to grow my skills and knowledge in a range of areas.
Being a councillor is an opportunity to bring tangible improvements to my community – not just to be something, but to do something – and my aim going forward is to bring greater youth provision to my town.
Before standing, I kept myself well-informed about local issues, learned how my local councils operate, attended some public meetings, and built relationships with existing councillors. Once elected, I attended the LGA’s Young Councillor Weekend, which was a great opportunity to network and learn from other young councillors from across the country and political spectrum.
Within my political group, there are plenty of experienced fellow councillors to seek advice from – the key is to ask, ask, ask!
I work full-time alongside my role, which can be challenging, but I’m lucky to have a supportive employer – and if you’re able to manage your time (and inbox!) efficiently, and prioritise, it’s manageable.
As a young councillor, it’s easy to feel a sense of imposter syndrome, but remember: you’ve been elected and entrusted by your community to represent and speak for them.
It’s a big responsibility, but an immense privilege, where you can turn ideas into action and truly make a difference.
A version of this case study was first published in the LGA’s first magazine