A DROITWICH teenager has become the youngest ever to have been elected onto Wychavon District Council.
Conservative George Duffy, who is just 19, polled 281 votes out of the 672 cast following Thursday’s Wychavon by-election for Droitwich West.
Labour’s Alan Humphries was second with 161, Andrew Morgan, representing UKIP, finished third with 132 votes and Adrian Leslie Key from the Liberal Democrats finished fourth with 97.
It was then a double celebration for Mr Duffy who polled a similar result in the Droitwich Town Council by-election, also for Droitwich West.
There he notched up 290, 131 votes more than Labour’s Valerie Humphries. Andrew Morgan (UKIP) was third with 127 and Adrian Key (Lib Dem) finished up with 96.
Mr Duffy, who lives in Little Hill, follows in the footsteps of his mum Lynne Duffy – she is currently the deputy leader of Wychavon District Council having been elected to Lovett and North Claines Ward in 2007.
George, who helps run Gloverspiece Minifarm in Ladywood in Droitwich, said he was inspired to get involved in local politics by helping his mum and others canvass over the years.
“I’m very proud to have been elected to serve the people of Droitwich West Ward and to have the honour of being Wychavon’s youngest ever councillor.
“I’ve worked with my mum for a while now and we’ve built quite a good working relationship so I don’t think having her on the council as well will be an issue.”
He added he hoped his victory would inspire other young people to get more involved in local politics, both in Droitwich and Wychavon.
On his new role he said: “I’m going to get myself settled and then I intend to put a lot of effort into really understanding the issues facing residents both in Droitwich and Wychavon and working hard for them.”
Wychavon District Council leader Linda Robinson said she was delighted to welcome George to the fold.
“He will bring fresh and new ideas as well as a different view from a younger generation which will benefit our decision-making.
“I’d encourage other young people to put themselves forward for election in the future and help make a difference to the place where they live.”
The Wychavon Droitwich Spa West seat and Droitwich West one on the town council were left vacant following the death of Maurice Broomfield and the resignation of Catherine Powell.
