I won election because I'm from Kirkham and know the issues, says Fylde's youngest councillor
“People have questioned my age and whether I have enough life experience, but I think it’s good to have a blend of ages on the council”
The winner of a vacant Kirkham seat on Fylde Council has become the authority’s youngest councillor after success in yesterday’s by-election.
Conservative member Adam Brierley, who is just 22, was one of four candidates contesting the seat, which had been vacated by the resignation of independent member Damian Buckley.
Cllr Brierley now joins two other councillors already representing Kirkham ward, independents Edward Collins and Paul Hodgson.
He is also a member of Kirkham Town Council after winning a seat in December.
The new councillor said after the result: “I’m naturally pessimistic so I wasn’t sure I’d win, but we did put in a lot of work, knocking on doors and speaking to people.
“Sometimes I went to the same address more than once and the man said I may as well take up residence!
“Apart from the legwork, I think one of the reasons people voted for me is that I am from Kirkham, I know this town and love living here.
“People already know me from my work on the town council, so I’m not someone who’s just come in to contest the seat.”
He added: “People have questioned my age and whether I have enough life experience, but I think it’s good to have a blend of ages on the council and to have a voice that relates to younger people.
“I’m really thrilled to be able to represent my town on Fylde Council and do my best for our community.”
The results
Adam Brierley (Local Conservatives) 1185 ELECTED
Joshua Roberts (Reform UK) 534
Oliver Mark Mills (Labour Party) 129