A teenager who fought an election campaign while sitting his A-levels has become Britain’s youngest councillor.

William Lloyd, 18, who is head boy at Brentwood County High School, in Essex, won the Warley ward in his hometown for the Conservative Party with a majority of about 100.

This election is the first in which 18-year-olds can stand, after the Government lowered the age from 21.

Mr Lloyd, who took the seat from the Lib Dems, said that people had been very sympathetic to his campaign. “Politics does seem to be a middle-aged man’s world, and that can have quite a negative affect on people’s opinions.

“I always respected the Conservative Party and truly believe in the issues they stand for, such as public services and social justice.”

He said that his interest in politics developed after his parents, Kay, 53, and Frank, 57, allowed him to stay up to watch the 2001 election.

“The public are glad to have a young person in their community who is willing to get involved and stand up for what they believe in,” he said.

“The media are always portraying the youth of today in a negative light, but there are plenty of teenagers who want to be part of their community and make it a better place. The biggest change I want to make is to clear up the local park, which isn't in the best condition.

“I think people see me, like David Cameron, as a breath of fresh air.”

Mr Lloyd viewed young people’s involvement in politics as an important part of the political process, and after his performance last night he appeared to have already mastered the art of the snappy soundbite. "If we want to have better communities, safer communities, cleaner communities, then everyone in those communities has to be involved in the process,” he said.

The Conservatives held Brentwood Borough Council, with the party gaining two seats from the Lib Dems. They ended up with 28 seats, Labour 3 and the Lib Dems 2.

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