LOCAL ELECTIONS 2016: Jade Morgan becomes Preston's youngest councillor

Teenager Jade Morgan has become Preston's youngest councillor after winning a seat in this year's local elections.
Jade Morgan with step dad Martyn Rawlinson, and lcc leader Jenny MeinJade Morgan with step dad Martyn Rawlinson, and lcc leader Jenny Mein
Jade Morgan with step dad Martyn Rawlinson, and lcc leader Jenny Mein

The 18-year-old won the St Matthew’s seat, defeating Conservative James Shuttleworth by 1,018 votes to 141.

The youngster will now take over the seat which Veronica Afrin had held for 37 years - more than twice Jade’s age.

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Jade, a Preston’s College student, is the step-daughter of Labour councillor Martyn Rawlinson, who held on to his seat in Fishwick.

Jade Morgan with step dad Martyn Rawlinson,Jade Morgan with step dad Martyn Rawlinson,
Jade Morgan with step dad Martyn Rawlinson,

Speaking after she was announced the winner, Jade said: “I grew up with an amazing step dad who has always surrounded me with such a wide view of politics.

“I also had my own interests in it.

“He mentioned they had the opportunity for a councillor to enter and I just thought ‘Why not?’ and it’s just been a rush from here.

“I can’t believe it, I have no words.

Jade Morgan with step dad Martyn Rawlinson,Jade Morgan with step dad Martyn Rawlinson,
Jade Morgan with step dad Martyn Rawlinson,

“I’ve noticed St Matthew’s is one of the most deprived areas in Preston.

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“I really want to make a difference because I know people struggle just to make ends meet.

“I’ve pledged to change community housing, get more activities for the young and more job opportunities as well, because I think they are areas people most struggle with.

“I think there’s just an idea that if you’re not old and white and a man that it’s just not your playing field.

“But I’m an 18-year-old who’s idea of a perfect night out is going to a sleepover with her friends and having a takeaway.

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“It’s just trying to normalise it and get more young people involved, because I think that’s what is going to revitalise democracy and really make a difference.”

Across Preston, there was only one change, in which Labour’s Lillian Wallace won in Deepdale, after independent Terry Cartwright stepped down.

Preston Council is now made up of 33 Labour councillors, 19 Conservatives and five Liberal Democrats.

The turnout overall in Preston was 33 per cent.

UKIP and the Green Party failed to make any impact in Preston.

Click here for all Preston’s results.

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Here are the results for Lancashire, with Hyndburn, Rossendale and Blackburn all counted on Friday.

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