MEET the ambitious schoolboy who wants your votes in tomorrow’s local elections.

Rougemont sixth form pupil Andrew Hill is the youngest candidate standing in Gwent in this year’s ballot on May 3, aged just 18.

While his friends are either revising for exams or taking a break from homework at the weekends, the Conservative candidate is using every spare moment of his free time to canvass for votes in the Alway ward.

The media studies, history and drama A-Level student believes he can bring a fresh perspective to the council chamber, and hopes to speak up for young people if elected.

If elected tomorrow, Mr Hill, of Allt-yr-yn, says he will work to improve the area and tackle anti-social behaviour.

While he has the full backing of his parents, Carol and Richard Hill, who has previously stood for the Conservatives in both local and parliamentary elections, his friends still need some convincing.

He said: "My friends think it’s for older people but I am saying no, younger people can get involved as well. I can be your voice on the council."

Mr Hill is studying towards his exams but in future he hopes to apply for Dartmouth Naval College, following in the footsteps of his father who was also in the forces, having previously served as a Corporal with the Royal Marines in Northern Ireland.

Also standing in the Alway ward are:


Dave Gapper-Hampson - Conservatives
John Guy - Labour
Debbie Harvey - Labour
Ray Truman - Labour
Shihab Uddin - Liberal Democrats

Veteran councillor standing as Independent

Independent candidate Laura Buchanan-Smith is standing in her home ward of Allt-yr-yn Mrs Buchanan-Smith, who has previously served for nine years a city councillor, first for Labour then for the tories, says she is fed up with party politics and wants to go it alone as an independent.

She said: "From my own experience I know that unfortunately the major parties in power spend far too much time arguing about their political beliefs and not enough time agreeing cross party policies to benefit the city and its communities as a whole."

"Choose wisely - get a good councillor for a change."

Mrs Buchanan-Smith currently runs three charity shops on behalf of St Anne's Hospice and for has been the president of the Newport Chamber of Trade for the past two years.