Newcastle student wins Council seat in Local Elections
Media Opportunities: Chris Barber is available for press/radio interviews and photographs on request. To arrange, please contact Lucy Mountford on 01782 254265 or email [email protected]
May 7, 2008
A Level student wins Council seat
An 18-year-old student from
With 416 votes, Conservative candidate Christian Barber, a sixth form student at
Chris, who received 44 percent of the 943 votes placed on May 1, said: "I’m overwhelmed by the majority. I’ve worked really hard for this but I’m still a bit shocked with the win. I thought it would be much closer.”
Chris added: "The electorate in my ward was surprised to see such a young candidate when I knocked the doors but I think they saw that I had passion and commitment on issues that matter to them."
His successful campaign centered on improving community spirit, supporting local business and ensuring a fairer deal for Newchapel when it comes to securing local government funding.
College Principal Karen Dobson said she was delighted to hear of Chris’s success. “We encourage all our students to become informed and responsible citizens who give something back to their local communities.
“What Chris has achieved really is remarkable, not only when you take into account his age but also the fact he is juggling his campaigning and responsibilities as a Councillor with preparing for his final A Level examinations. I’d like to congratulate him on his success.”
As well as studying for A Levels in Accounting, Business Studies and Economics at Newcastle Sixth Form Centre, Chris is also a member of the
Upon leaving the College this summer, Chris plans to take up the offer of a place at
Chris’s gain in Newchapel helped the Conservative party achieve its best local government showing since 1980.
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Notes to editors:
o The ward of Newchapel, which has 3,239 residents, now has probably the greatest age variation of its councillors in the country. Councillor Nora Salt, Chris’s co-councillor, is aged 84.
o http://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/
- OUTSTANDING initial advice and guidance;
- OUTSTANDING provision to meet the needs and interests of learners;
- OUTSTANDING approach to educational and social inclusion;
- OUTSTANDING development of economic well-being for learners;
- OUTSTANDING support for literacy and numeracy needs;
- OUTSTANDING identification of, and provision for, additional learning needs.
For more information please visit www.nulc.ac.uk/success
Media enquires:
Lucy Mountford
Marketing and PR Manager
Direct Dial: 01782 254366
Email: [email protected]
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