Meet Walsall's youngest ever councillor
"People think that politics is just for the rich and retired – I think I can prove it isn't."
Walsall's youngest ever councillor, 19-year-old Brad Allen, was voted for by 1,434 Bloxwich West residents in last weeks local election, taking back a seat for the Conservatives which was lost when ex-councillor Melvin Pitt passed away in May 2010.
Brad, who works full time as an apprentice administrator for the NHS in Walsall, said he had made it his mission to win back the seat in Mr Pitt's honour.
Even he couldn't have imagined that it would have happened so soon, however.
He said: "I met Melvin when I was about seven years old on a school trip to the mayor's parlour.
"As I got older I learned more about his work in the local area and it was inspiring to me.
"He was a real man of the people who fought hard for Bloxwich time and time again.
"I made it my mission to win back his seat for the Conservatives and now I have done that."
Brad started his education at Russell Jones Primary School, before moving on to the Mirus Academy, finally studying teaching assistance at South Staffs College.
It was at college when he started to really focus on his own political career after campaigning with Councillor Louise Harrison against a waste plant being built near his house.
Knocking residents doors and speaking to them about an issue close to his and their hearts got the wheels in motion in terms of motivation to become a councillor. Brad said even when campaigning at 16, he has never encountered negativity from the people of Bloxwich due to his age.
He said: "People have always been really positive.
"You might expect that people would ask questions, but they tell me it is a good thing to see someone of my age interested in local politics.
"There is a young population in Bloxwich West and I would like to think I can speak for them."
Brad has already been involved in campaigns in his local area.
Two years ago, aged just 17, he spearheaded a petition containing 1,100 signatures against plans for a waste recycling firm in Bloxwich.
And last year he joined campaigners on a fight against a traveller camp near Broad Lane Gardens in Bloxwich.
He is also campaigning for improved parking facilities at Bloxwich railway stations.
He claims there are currently not enough spaces at the stations to facilitate morning commuters and 'inappropriate parking is blighting residents' lives'.
Last month he featured in the Express & Star in a story calling for an official flag to be produced for Bloxwich.
