A STUDENT who is one of the youngest councillors in the country said he was inspired to contest in this year's local election because of Brexit.

East Lancashire's youngest councillor Tom Whipp, 19, was elected onto Pendle Council after securing 755 votes on May 3.

The Liberal Democrat councillor, who gained the seat from the Conservative Party, said he felt 'incredibly happy' once the result was announced.

The young councillor, who has previously worked at a Scottish food festival and chip shop in Barnoldswick, said the local elections 'piqued' his interest after his 18 month career on the town council.

The Barnoldswick councillor said: "When the local elections came around for Pendle Council, it piqued my interest."

Mr Whipp took part in his first area committee meeting as a ward councillor last week and can now vote on key decisions made within the local meetings.

One of the Open University student's policies, which has been deemed as a 'priority', will be to create a new health centre in Barnoldswick following concerns the current one is too small and old.

The former Nelson and Colne College student first entered into politics in December 2016 when he was elected onto Barnoldswick town council.

Mr Whipp, who represents Barnoldswick's Coates ward, said: "I was not always interested in politics when I was younger.

"People used to ask whether I would follow in my dad's footsteps. At the time I was defiant and said no.

"When I turned 17 though I had a change in mindset. I think it was the Brexit vote.

"I had a friend in college who took politics and on the day of the Brexit vote we took some signs other and started campaigning on the streets."

The 19-year-old said he believes the experience of working on the town council will help him as a borough councillor.

The young councillor said his dad had a 'big influence' on his decision to contest in the local election.

Tom's father David Whipp, who has represented Barnoldswick’s Craven Ward since being first elected in 1980, said: "I'm really proud of Tom. Irrespective of being family he is really keen, energetic, enthusiastic and an excellent representative for the local people.

"I hope he thrives in the role but if he doesn't make a career out of a local representative. I hope the experience will stand him in good stead for what he wants in the future."