Lucius Vellacott ECDC: Interview with UK youngest district councillor

Lucius Vellacott has only recently turned 18 and was last week elected as one of the two Conservative district councillors for Soham South.

Lucius is newly elected to the seat with 517 votes, taking over from Cllr Dan Schumann.

This makes Lucius the youngest district councillor in the country, all while still studying his A-Levels (politics, economics and maths) at Cambridge. 

We spoke to him after winning the vote. 

New Soham South councillor, 18-year-old Lucius Vellacott (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: East Cambridgeshire elections results round-up and reaction

How do you feel about the win?  

"It's crazy. You don't ever expect to win going into an election, but you don't wish to lose either. It's a real balance.

"But the fact that my views and the views of the residents have alligned today has really meant a lot to me. And I'm really looking forward to getting started."

How did you get into politics? 

"A couple of years ago, I was sat at home looking at the national picture and the local picture. 

"It's very easy to criticise, but until you put your money where your mouth is to try and make a difference - that's what I wanted to do.

"I'm aware there's not many people my age who do that, but it's really exciting to have the opportunity and be a part of it."

What are the key points you're going to focus on as councillor?

"I think one of the biggest things is people's views on the congestion charge, because it's more than just a tax.

"It's a real inconvenience on people's lives and work. That's something I'm really against.

"Also, people want their district council tax to be frozen, and that's what we're going to do for the 11th year in a row hopefully.

"Things like free parking in Ely, and the potholes -these local issues that mean a lot to people. That's what I want to represent."

Do you have a message for other young people who want to get into politics?

"I think just do it. It's very easy to criticise what's going on, but until you've taken a stand for it and tried to be a part of it, it's really important.

"I would encourage young people to definitely get out and vote, support the causes you believe in, be open to all sorts of expressions and go out there and do it. It's brilliant."

What do you think of the turnout for today?

"It's never been historically very high in Soham. We got about 25.6% today. It's good that those people showed up, but I would really like to encourage more people to get a bit more involved next time.

"Have a look at all the candidates, see which one fits you best and go and vote. Or at least express your opinion at the ballot box.

What was the response from residents like during your campaign?

"From the conversations I've had on the doorstep, residents are aligned with what I've been saying and I've been listening to them as much as I can.

"Because of that, we had a really good feeling and came into the elections optimistic."

What are your goals for the future? 

"For the immediate future, I'm going to London to study politics, and obviously I will spend some of my time up here being a councillor doing the practical side while studying the theory, which I think is really, really nice balance.

"Not many people in the country can say that they can do that."